We, (I and my fellow delegate along with our chaperone) reached Seoul on a cold and snowy afternoon and our first impression of the city was marvelous. We took a stroll and had some native streetfood to deal with the chill.

The sessions began from the very night, and I never felt out of place, even for a moment. The icebreaking activities and the secret friend concept melted all the ice between all of us. We were all friends before the actual sessions even began. 

GYEF was all about interactive sessions with learned professors, some of which really changed our outlook on many things. The presentation session too went well and I could see many eager faces in my room who seemed inquisitive about my presentation on India's water situation. I discussed about many interesting pollution issues endemic to my country like religious pollution and its solutions.

The MUN, however, remains the best part. We had teams of 5 members each  who represented different social groups. Given a crisis situation, we debated and negotiated  in teams to get our own interests fulfilled as different delegations of social groups.  Each team chose a leader and a name for their team. I was chosen to represent my team, and we named ourselves MUSIK (Malaysia, Ukraine, Saudi arabia, India and Korea)- based on the five countries of our five members. We meant to relate MUSIK as the harmony between different musical notes to harmonious negotiations between all of us.

 The MUN was about formulating an official resolution per team. We had to agree on a detailed policy  on the given crisis which caters  to the interests of all groups equally. It was fun wearing formals, writing official documents and negotiating like actual diplomats. It all makes an ambience of professionalism and the air of diplomacy. A new and exciting experience, I must say.

The last days were the best. Everland was full of roller coaster rides and amazing food. It was exactly like disneyland with a touch of thrill and adventure. It the night, I enjoyed a traditional Korean dinner with my chaperone which turned out to be a little spicy, but very delicious. Seoul tower was a beautiful lovers' point and the view was spectacular.

On the last day, the day of the presentation, I got to present for my team as the leader. The presentation went well and the team was satisfied with its work. Before the announcement of the final results, there was a feedback session and sharing or memories. I still remember the exact words I said and I really meant them. "Everyone's spoken about our experience being a very enriching one, and i wholeheartedly agree. But what I'M going to miss the most, are those times- sitting in the hotel lobby, 3 am in the night, trying to finish presentations, laughing like crazy, trying to catch each other's accent, learning their language and those collective "oh my gods" when someone tells something really interesting about their country. I can't count the number of friends I have made here, nor the number of things I'v learnt or the number of jokes we've laughed on collectively." And all those people who could relate had a hearty laugh with the "midnight memories" gleaming in their eyes.

The results were declared and my team was declared the winner. I felt proud to be its leader and thankful to the judges. Later I was interviewed by journalists from leading newspapers in Korea and the talk went very well.

All in all, this journey was a full package of thrill, fun, knowledge, exposure and education. I have to say the things I learned about environment, water in particular, were eye openers for me. Some of the solutions discussed in the lectures were so simple, yet so effective that it made me ponder to do similar things at my level.

I would like to present my gracious and heartfelt thanks to Samsung, and the Korea Green Foundation, for this wonderful opportunity. Euna, my chaperone and all the delegates too had an equal hand in making it the most memorable experience of my life!

For the readers, I would like to say that if you are aware for your surroundings, interested in debate and interaction with global leaders, this is a golden opportunity for all of you to fulfil your dreams. 

Given a chance, any day, I will attend GYELS again and again without any second thought. Thank you everyone who made this possible!

Greetings from India,

Aashna (or Ash, as they called me)