The Young Leader

  • GLA Program Blogs
  • Gamechangers
  • Newsletters
  • About The Young Leader

July 28, 2016 by Brett Scuiletti

Q&A with GLA’s 2016 STA Flight Voucher Contest Winner

Sydney-1

Sydney Johnson, a Chicago native and graduated senior from Hampshire High School, is the inaugural winner of GLA’s STA Flight Voucher Contest.

Please note that this Q&A has been edited and condensed for clarity. Featured photos are from Sydney’s trip to Bali, which happened right after this interview was conducted.

GLA: Which GLA program are you on? And is it your first time with GLA?
Sydney: Bali – I leave on Monday! First GLA program. I just graduated a few weeks ago. I’m starting at DePaul in Chicago in the fall, majoring in international studies and sociology (did psych program at American University last summer).

GLA: How did you end up getting the STA travel voucher? Were you excited when you won?
Sydney: I’m not positive how it happened exactly – my mom handled it! I was very excited – I was like Mom, what is this? And she told me about it, and I was very excited.

GLA: What made you decide to do this program with GLA in Bali? Were you inspired by anything specific, or are you just looking for a fun summer experience?
Sydney: I found it researching the Peace Corps, which I’m interested in doing after college. Fundraised a lot! And I loved the idea of teaching English. This is a new experience for me, but it’s definitely something I want to continue doing.

GLA: What part of volunteering and/or giving back of yourself moves you the most?
Sydney: It’s much more fulfilling giving back to people – anything where you give back to the community. I want to be able to help people, travel, and see the world.

Sydney-2

GLA: What do your parents think about you going on a GLA program this summer?
Sydney: They didn’t think I’d be able to do it this summer, but I kept pushing the subject and raised money for it, and had the flight covered through the STA voucher.

GLA: What’s your ultimate goal for giving back to the world, given your clear interest in being involved with communities-in-need?
Sydney: Building people skills and putting lesson plans together teaches you how to cooperate with each other and overcome small differences.

GLA: What are your interests and passions, both inside and outside of school?
Sydney: I’m involved in National Honor Society, a member of a dance company, and taught dance (Jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and ballet) to ages 3-15.

GLA: If you could sum up your life philosophy, what would it be?
Sydney: Open-mindedness is what I value over everything. And by traveling, you get to think differently, and see things a different way than your own, which makes you a more well-rounded person.

Thanks Sydney for your inspiring words, and congrats on your fully covered flight to Bali for your first GLA program!


Global Leadership Adventures


Comments

Filed Under: #myGLA, Latest Posts, Wanderlust

About Brett Scuiletti

Brett Scuiletti is the Editor of The Young Leader. He is passionate about young people having meaningful travel experiences and enjoys sharing their stories. Brett resides in San Diego but always has his passport handy!

Give Back to the Community

Donate to the GLA International Foundation and help support projects and grant recipients around the world.

Brought to you by

Copyright © 2025 · Executive Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in