A USC student has been chosen as one of just 25 scholars from around the world to attend a global leadership summit in the United States from 24-26 March.

Education/Science student Raymart Walker, 21, is preparing to travel to Colombus, Ohio, for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) 2017 Student Leader Global Summit, an event which aims to develop the leadership skills of gifted university students.

The Sippy Downs resident, who is USC Student Guild treasurer and a member of the USC Council, said he was looking forward to making connections with students from countries as diverse as Qatar, Canada and India.

“This conference is such a unique opportunity for me to learn more about leadership in a global setting,” he said.

 
“The common theme in my roles with the Guild, the USC Council and the Student Representative Council is helping students have the best possible experience of university.

“I’m hoping the event will really improve my skill set around student empowerment, and I’ll be able to bring those skills back to use in my own community here at USC.”

The student leadership summit will be the first of two exciting international experiences for Raymart in 2017, who will spend next semester studying at Japan’s Hokkaido University under a prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship.

Raymart said he hoped to forge a career drawing on the skills and knowledge gained in both his Science and Education degrees.
 
“I’m passionate about getting more people engaging in science,” he said. “I’d love to become an academic, but still be involved with students.

“The focus on leadership at this summit really links back to my Education degree, because as a teacher, you’re seen as a role model by teachers, students and the wider community.”

USC Lecturer in Education Carol Smith said Raymart had demonstrated the attributes of a leader throughout his degree.

“Raymart has always been very engaged in learning, but also motivated by a strong desire to help others,” she said. “This summit is another great achievement for him and we’re delighted to have him as part of our Education program at USC.”

— Gen Kennedy