Singleton's Jamison Anderson part of UN Youth delegation heading to the Middle East in January

However, Singleton’s Jamison Anderson is about to start a research project in preparation for her first overseas trip to the Middle East. But this is no holiday, the former St Cath’s student has been selected to be a part of a United Nations (UN) Youth delegation.

Known as the Middle East experience, she will spend two weeks in Israel and Jordan meeting people who are working to make peace a reality, hear from diplomats and policy experts about the current situation in the region, and explore one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world. Each year only 16 young Australians are selected to take part, and the application process is demanding.

She says the first step involved completing an online questionnaire. “Then I had to write an analytical essay on the refugee crisis in Europe. I was then selected for the next stage, and I had to do a Skype interview during which they asked me lots of hypothetical questions.” And, although her confidence grew as she progressed through each stage, Jamison was still shocked to learn of her selection back in July.

Since then she has been working hard to raise money for the trip while completing her HSC. “It has been stressful trying to do both, especially when I was organising the trivia night. But I knew it was such a great opportunity, if I passed it up I would regret it.” Jamison has always been interested in what the UN does, the conflict in the Middle East, and social justice. Confessing she loves watching documentaries about it, and enjoyed studying subjects in the HSIE (human society and it’s environment) key learning area. She hopes to study social work or international relations at university after the “experience”.

So far she has raised around $2000 thanks to the support of local businesses, and organisations, like Lions, and the Rotary Club of Singleton.

However, she still has a long way to go as the trip will cost over $7000.