The six transformative workshops led by professionals from the University of Oxford were profoundly inspirational, each exploring different themes within leadership. Each session delved into purpose, growth, love, integrity, and practical wisdom, and to understand how these elements intertwine in making a meaningful impact in the world we live in.
A significant takeaway was the realization that specific traits can greatly influence both leadership success and global citizenship. This prompted deep reflection on my own character traits, allowing me to identify which traits I possessed more and which were less pronounced. Initially, I held a narrow view of leadership, envisioning it as a domain reserved for the outspoken and articulate. However, these workshops encouraged me to appreciate the diverse spectrum of leadership qualities, and types of world leaders who were successful in their own unique ways. I discovered that I could amplify my existing strengths, rather than conforming to a singular image of what a leader should be.
Furthermore, I learned that effective leadership is not synonymous with a domineering style; it can be collaborative and inclusive. This understanding reshaped my perspective, emphasizing that a team-oriented approach fosters an environment where all voices are valued. This insight parallels the essence of global citizenship, where collaboration and inclusivity are paramount in addressing global challenges.
The ethical leadership sessions provided invaluable lessons that I applied to my Leadership in Action project this summer. I focused on becoming more proactive and engaged, actively seeking opportunities to learn from various projects rather than limiting myself to my assigned team and tasks focused on youths. This mindset not only enhanced my leadership capabilities but also deepened my commitment to global citizenship, encouraging me to consider the broader implications of my actions within the community.
The discussions during these sessions fostered rich exchanges of ideas among scholars, allowing us to share diverse perspectives on the same material. This collaborative dialogue broadened my understanding of how different viewpoints contribute to effective leadership and global engagement. I learned that finding common ground is essential in both contexts, enabling more effective teamwork and a unified approach to global issues.
The session on leading with love particularly stuck with me, highlighting the role of compassion in leadership—an often overlooked yet crucial trait. My experiences in various projects reinforced the idea that love and compassion come hand in hand, to both effective leadership and responsible global citizenship. Approaching challenges with an open mind and a compassionate heart has become central to my leadership philosophy, once again reminding me that true leadership is about uplifting others.
Reflective exercises allowed me to articulate personal stories of overcoming challenges, solidifying my understanding of resilience and determination. I first heard of the term “global citizenship” during a homecoming summer camp, where participants were encouraged to embrace open-mindedness and awareness of global issues. Encountering this term again during my journey two years later felt like a full-circle moment, showing the growth I have experienced as a Laidlaw Scholar.
Through these transformative experiences, I have really come to understand what it means to be an exemplary global citizen and an ethical leader. I am truly grateful for the experiences and connections I have made along the way, which helped me immensely in so many ways - feeling more open and vocal about my opinions, and not shying away from new opportunities. Together, leadership and global citizenship are not just ideals; they are a call to action, in order for us to create a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
The six transformative workshops led by professionals from the University of Oxford were profoundly inspirational, each exploring different themes within leadership. Each session delved into purpose, growth, love, integrity, and practical wisdom, and to understand how these elements intertwine in making a meaningful impact in the world we live in.
A significant takeaway was the realization that specific traits can greatly influence both leadership success and global citizenship. This prompted deep reflection on my own character traits, allowing me to identify which traits I possessed more and which were less pronounced. Initially, I held a narrow view of leadership, envisioning it as a domain reserved for the outspoken and articulate. However, these workshops encouraged me to appreciate the diverse spectrum of leadership qualities, and types of world leaders who were successful in their own unique ways. I discovered that I could amplify my existing strengths, rather than conforming to a singular image of what a leader should be.
Furthermore, I learned that effective leadership is not synonymous with a domineering style; it can be collaborative and inclusive. This understanding reshaped my perspective, emphasizing that a team-oriented approach fosters an environment where all voices are valued. This insight parallels the essence of global citizenship, where collaboration and inclusivity are paramount in addressing global challenges.
The ethical leadership sessions provided invaluable lessons that I applied to my Leadership in Action project this summer. I focused on becoming more proactive and engaged, actively seeking opportunities to learn from various projects rather than limiting myself to my assigned team and tasks focused on youths. This mindset not only enhanced my leadership capabilities but also deepened my commitment to global citizenship, encouraging me to consider the broader implications of my actions within the community.
The discussions during these sessions fostered rich exchanges of ideas among scholars, allowing us to share diverse perspectives on the same material. This collaborative dialogue broadened my understanding of how different viewpoints contribute to effective leadership and global engagement. I learned that finding common ground is essential in both contexts, enabling more effective teamwork and a unified approach to global issues.
The session on leading with love particularly stuck with me, highlighting the role of compassion in leadership—an often overlooked yet crucial trait. My experiences in various projects reinforced the idea that love and compassion come hand in hand, to both effective leadership and responsible global citizenship. Approaching challenges with an open mind and a compassionate heart has become central to my leadership philosophy, once again reminding me that true leadership is about uplifting others.
Reflective exercises allowed me to articulate personal stories of overcoming challenges, solidifying my understanding of resilience and determination. I first heard of the term “global citizenship” during a homecoming summer camp, where participants were encouraged to embrace open-mindedness and awareness of global issues. Encountering this term again during my journey two years later felt like a full-circle moment, showing the growth I have experienced as a Laidlaw Scholar.
Through these transformative experiences, I have really come to understand what it means to be an exemplary global citizen and an ethical leader. I am truly grateful for the experiences and connections I have made along the way, which helped me immensely in so many ways - feeling more open and vocal about my opinions, and not shying away from new opportunities. Together, leadership and global citizenship are not just ideals; they are a call to action, in order for us to create a positive impact in our communities and beyond.