In my initial application to Laidlaw, I wrote of leadership as “the collective force that organises, inspires, and motivates real change.” My idea of leadership has not changed significantly from then - I knew leadership was not limited to an individual, and required empathy, collaboration, and accountability.

What has changed in two years, however, was learning that this idea of leadership is not only aspirational, it is something I have been able to show myself through this programme. At Bail for Immigration Detainees during my Leadership-in-Action project, I drafted and submitted successful grounds for bail on behalf of clients in immigration detention – a small but meaningful resistance against the increasingly hostile migration environment in the UK. Continuing that commitment to migrants, my interdisciplinary group research project aimed to centre their experiences navigating different political, professional, and legal structures in Europe. This felt especially important in a moment when migration is a polarising political and social topic, and disinformation is proliferated flagrantly through social media. In these ways, I showed myself that leadership can be a tool for advocacy, with the individual merely contributing limitless value created by a collective.

Another aspect I have reflected on is the development of my collaboration and team work skills. Through meeting a diversity of Laidlaw scholars and professionals, my worldview has been expanded, and my understanding of cross-cultural communication has been nurtured. I did not expect to learn so much from my peers, but this is perhaps what has allowed me to develop most as a leader. The personal, lived experiences of my fellow scholars has challenged many of my previously held assumptions about the world and myself. Through them, I have learned about new approaches to creativity, compassion, and resilience. I have also drawn inspiration from them, which has pushed me to mentor young people from underrepresented backgrounds in a part time job at LSE, step into new leadership positions in migrant activism at Student Action for Refugees and the University of London Refugee Law Clinic, and share my knowledge with the larger LSE community.

The competencies I am most proud of developing over the past two years are integrity and confidence. My achievements as a Laidlaw scholar boosted my self-esteem and challenged me to push myself further than I believed possible. These competencies also centred the importance of ethical leadership and research as a tool for accountability and transformation.

Completing this programme has helped me build a strong network of professionals who are grounded in compassion and integrity. Their mentorship has guided me through my university experience and continues to positively influence my life. On a personal level, this programme has also provided me with a network of wonderful friends within and beyond LSE that I will have for the rest of my life.

The tenants of leadership I learned will also support me in any industry. I feel confident navigating adversity and unforeseen situations, and I am grateful that I will model the core values from this programme in any path I choose to pursue. The research skills I have gained through this programme have also strengthened my decision-making capacity and made me feel more informed as I navigate the job market and the possibility of further study.

Overall, reflecting on the last two years has brought global citizenship to mind. What it means to create a meaningful life and career that de-centres the hegemonic vices of hyper-individuality and increased shareholder value. While I do not fully have an answer, I have shown myself that a path that sees beyond a capitalist, exclusionary ordering of the world. My hopes for my future self include remaining uncompromising in the values I have built and that have been encouraged through this programme, and to remember that leadership is the willingness to take up space with others from a place of calm and resolve, intellect and integrity.