When Belmont secondary student Fazal Roy puts down his text books for the summer, his learning will ramp up.

Roy dreams of one day becoming a psychiatrist or accountant at the top of his field, and the 15-year-old has long been preparing for a future leadership role.

He was recently approved to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference this summer. Roy will be taking Washington, D.C. by storm if he can fundraise enough money to get there.

He was ecstatic upon learning of the opportunity. B次元官网网址淲ow,B次元官网网址� he thought at the time. B次元官网网址淚 could be a politician.B次元官网网址�

The Grade 10 student immediately expanded his list of dream careers.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not planning to do one thing,B次元官网网址� the Langford teen said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 planning to see where my strengths take me.B次元官网网址�

HeB次元官网网址檚 hoping these will take him south of the border where heB次元官网网址檒l congregate with about 200 youth, aged 15 to 18, from around the world.

During the 10-day educational event, they'll learn from American diplomats and politicians, and tour places such as the Smithsonian Institution and possibly even the White House. The itinerary has yet to be unveiled.

B次元官网网址淚t helps kids gain confidence as learners and leaders in the community, and to have fun doing it and do it the right way,B次元官网网址� said Roy.

After learning about the event from his father, Roy applied early last year even before he was old enough to attend. But his resume is already brimming over with volunteer experience, one of the main requirements for approval.

When he lived in Dubai, he was involved in an environmental cleanup initiative. He holds his black belt in Shotokan karate and helps teach little kids at a local dojo.

Roy works part-time at both Langford McDonald's, and finds time to play on the high school volleyball team, participate in sea cadets and is an accomplished tennis player at the Langford Tennis Club.

RoyB次元官网网址檚 acceptance as a global scholar this summer may inspire other youth to apply for future conferences.

B次元官网网址淚 think it sends out a message to our other students, B次元官网网址榟ey, the skyB次元官网网址檚 the limit. I donB次元官网网址檛 have to be some exceptional studentB次元官网网址�,B次元官网网址� said Belmont counsellor Hilde Plotnikoff.

When Roy gets back from his trip of a lifetime, his new-found skills can be shared with his high school peers.

B次元官网网址淚 think everyone benefits from (his) learning because itB次元官网网址檚 that ripple effect that happens,B次元官网网址� Plotnikoff said.

Roy now needs to raise between $5,000 and $7,000 by May to pay for his tuition and travel expenses.

HeB次元官网网址檚 already held bottle drives, and is hopeful friends and family will help him with car wash events. Roy also welcomes sponsorship from the business community or other organizations.

B次元官网网址淚 really hope I can go because (otherwise) itB次元官网网址檇 be a shame,B次元官网网址� the teenager said. B次元官网网址淚 hope I can (come back) as a great leader. I know for a fact I can be.B次元官网网址�

To sponsor or support Roy, call 250-590-1640 or e-mail azielroy@hotmail.com.