This week was my first as a Laidlaw Scholar in Boston, and if I am honest, I started out nervous. Walking into a new city, a new program, and a new role as a Health and Wellness instructor in the Tech Your Health module of the Timothy Smith Network, I felt a knot in my stomach — excited but unsure of what to expect. Would I connect with my fellow instructors? Would the students warm up to me? And could I really make health tech interesting for a room full of new faces?
On my first day, those nerves only got stronger as I met the rest of the team and my students for the first time. Everyone was different — some were chatty and energetic, others more reserved, quietly taking everything in. It did not take long to realize that, like me, everyone was carrying their own mix of anticipation and jitters. As we went through introductions, exchanged a few laughs, and stumbled through the usual first-day awkwardness, I began to see little flashes of what made each person unique.
It is amazing to see how quickly a group of strangers can begin to feel like a team. One student was always eager to ask questions; another had a knack for connecting what we discussed to real-life situations in Boston. My fellow instructors each brought their own background and teaching style, and, before long, the classroom started to come alive. Personalities bounced off one another, and suddenly it felt less like a formal program and more like a community where everyone had something to offer.
Teaching biomedical technology was both exciting and daunting. The field is changing so fast, with everything from wearable health devices to AI in diagnostics. My challenge was to make these big ideas feel real and relevant, not just abstract concepts. As we explored Boston-focused health databases together, I watched students light up when they recognized their own neighborhoods or uncovered local health issues that resonated. Seeing those connections happen in real time reminded me why it matters to ground technology in real-world problems and real people.
Throughout the week, we talked a lot about why health matters in our own communities. I tried to encourage students to look at the bigger picture - who has access to care, what challenges their families and neighbors face, and how technology might help bridge those gaps. Some of these conversations were tough, but also the most rewarding. As students began to open up and share, I sensed a growing sense of purpose in the room.
One of my favorite parts of the week was working through biomedical research together. We learned how to find credible information, dig into scientific articles, and use what we found to brainstorm new health tech ideas. Those brainstorming sessions were filled with creativity and a bit of friendly debate, and it was great to see students move beyond just absorbing information to actually thinking like innovators.
Looking back, even after just one week, I can already feel myself growing as a leader. I have learned that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about listening, adapting, and making space for everyone’s voice. I feel more confident now, more comfortable stepping into uncertainty, and more grateful for the people around me — truly gifted individuals with admirable character and inspiring stories. Every day, I see how our blend of personalities and experiences makes our classroom a richer, more dynamic place.
What I appreciate most is the opportunity to grow alongside my students and teammates. We are all learning together — not just about health and technology, but about each other and ourselves. I am excited to see how we will keep challenging and inspiring each other as the weeks go on.