ISLC is here!! After wrapping up the Mission Training Workshop on Friday morning and spending the afternoon on Coronado Island, the 16th annual International Student Leadership Conference commenced this afternoon. Throughout the day, students arrived to San Diego from all over the world. By this evening, more than 350 students had arrived from 17 countries!! Check in was both hectic and exciting as students received room and group assignments, gift bags, and t-shirts. During check in, I talked with some mission training graduates about their experience thus far. Kevin Woo of New Jersey, who was assigned to a mission in Nicaragua, told me that he is “really looking forward to interacting with people in Nicaragua and putting smiles on peoples’ faces.” Kevin Prior, also from New Jersey, told me that the best part about mission training was “working together and meeting other kids because we share the same goal of making life better for kids around the world.”
Once everyone was settled and had changed into their ISLC t-shirts (which showcase the conference’s theme, “Inspire Waves of Change”), the afternoon got underway with ice breakers led by members of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC). After getting to know one another, the evening program began with a welcome meeting. Here, we were addressed by representative from two of Operation Smile’s newest supporters, Sony Electronics and Victoria Jackson Cosmetics. Students were amazed to learn that in just one month, Victoria Jackson Cosmetics had donated $26,000 dollars and that Sony is unveiling a “smile shutter” feature in the coming weeks. The smile shutter is a camera function which takes automatic pictures when the camera is aimed at a person who is smiling.
Next, we enjoyed a barbeque on a beautiful grassy lawn on campus and then headed back to the auditorium for opening ceremonies. Here, Operation Smile Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee addressed the students as well as Paige Atkison, a ten-year-old girl from California who was born with a cleft lip and palate and has raised more than $50,000 in the past year. After opening ceremonies, the entire group headed outside where each person received a bio-degradable balloon with a picture of a child with a facial deformity attached to it. Once the whole group had balloons, we counted down and all released them at the same time, signifying the goal of each conference attendee raising money and awareness in the coming year to repair as many children’s smiles across the globe. San Diego State University is buzzing with excitement tonight as students, sponsors, and staff prepare for three action packed days ahead!
- Molly Rubin
Students are welcomed to the ISLC in San Diego. Photo by Molly Rubin.
During the award ceremonies at the Opening Ceremonies Finola Earley, student sponsor from Ireland, and Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee are surrounded by students from Ireland who received the best international club award. Photo by Molly Rubin.
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