Dear People To People:

My name is Erika Knudson. I am 12 years old and live in Hawaii. I recently returned from the 2004 World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., which was one of the most educational and remarkable experience of my life.

At first I was really hesitant to go because of the thousands of miles I would be away from home. Plus I only knew two other people that were going to the forum. As the weeks dwindled down to days, I started getting that feeling. When I left Hawaii, I started getting really homesick, and once I got there, I was

more homesick. Thanks to my room-check lady, Nicole, I ended up having a wonderful time. She wasn't the only person that made my trip good. There was also the friendly staff, especially my group leader, Justin. He always made me laugh in some way. I can't forget the lifetime friends I made in that one week I was there. I met many kids from all over the country: Idaho, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio, New York, West Virginia, Wyoming, California, Washington state, and of course Hawaii.

There were many places we went and most of them were wonderful and educational. The museum that impacted me the most was the Holocaust Museum which featured Daniel's Story. I really wanted to learn more about the Holocaust because I have heard much about it and have read a book about it also. The sad thing was, that all of those kids who died, who could have impacted today's outcome, weren't able to do what they could have. They all could have contributed to how the world is now today. If they weren't killed in the Holocaust, they could have helped change and make peace in the world, so we wouldn't be at war with the Middle East.

I also like the way we learned the different leadership skills, even if they were good or bad. I learned how to take orders from other people and also how to give them. I am looking forward to attending future conferences, especially international ones. I have been to Shanghai, China and want to learn more about how I can help to change the world.

Thank you for this great experience in Washington, D.C.

Sincerely,
Erika Knudson
Student Ambassador
Aiea Hawaii