Rachel Harmeyer, 13, of Bellevue, an eighth grader at Chinook Middle School, recently returned from Washington, D.C., where she attended a People to People World Leadership Forum.

Rachel, along with fellow delegates from around the world, participated in visiting the Capitol and the Holocaust museum as well as visiting many memorials. Throughout the course of the program Rachel learned about leadership and how great leaders throughout history have handled world events.

“The People to People World Leadership Forum made me realize what so many people have done for our country. I am very thankful and have a deeper understanding now,” Rachel said. “I was very nervous flying for the first time alone, but when I got to the forum, I was very excited,” she added.

“Rachel came back with a new understanding,” said her mother, Terri Harmeyer. “This forum really helped Rachel with her self-confidence. The minute I saw her, she seemed so much more grown up.”

The People to People World Leadership Forum offers students a blend of specialized education, leadership, and cultural exposure through various programs, as well as an itinerary filled with the highlights of the hosting community.