In my initial application to the Laidlaw Programme I attempted to present a different, less hierarchically centred take on leadership that spoke about pushing boundaries or moral ambition as effective enactments of leadership available to any individual in society. In doing so I sought to subvert traditional conceptions of leadership which - often mediated by class and gender - stress authority, discipline and a top-down approach to management. The laidlaw programme deepened my understanding away from the traditionalist approach to a conception of leadership that included strong interpersonal skills and a mission for group inclusivity.

For my Leadership-In-Action project, I was a field researcher for VSO in Rwanda having full ownership of a report that would evaluate the disability inclusion aspect of VSO’s ‘Learn Through Play’ teacher training initiative for pre-schoolers across the country. I learnt that classrooms that effectively included disabled students were markedly more cohesive, had less disciplinary issues and had teachers who were less stressed. The third point spoke to me in particular, as the tendency for a leader to lose faith in their group, discard the possibility of their contribution and take on more work themselves in an act of masochistic pride is one I have sympathy for. As such, in the second summer where we produced an interdisciplinary group research project I noticed clearly how a collective, adequately included and empowered group can best leverage the strengths of each individual, especially in group brainworking sessions.

While I have always prided myself on my sense of inclusivity, through the Laidlaw Programme I saw myself become more actively inclusive rather than passively. To me passive inclusivity would operate through unsubstantive calls upon other group members ie “do you have anything to add” but both the interdisciplinary nature of our Research Project group and the relationships built over the first 2 years of the programme meant that appeals for involvement could be more specific to the individual's expertise or working style, such an approach makes group members feel more respected and empowered to contribute

However, inclusivity I learned is not only about moments in discussions where people talk equitably but about creating an environment where everyone feels informed about how to contribute, confident in their resources and ability to contribute and respected as a member of the group - this focus on structure and a more macro lens is certainly a way that this experience has altered the framework that I approach life with. 

One thing that surprised me through this experience is imposter syndrome. Thrust into a highly competitive cohort with training sessions that altered how I think about approaching projects, presenting my personal story and seeing other scholars flourish, one contends with the question of whether their contribution will be as valuable as other members or whether they are doing enough compared to their high achieving colleagues. But Laidlaw has taught me through engaging with new cultures in Rwanda, connecting with Scholars from other universities and getting to know my cohort well that while nuances exist between us, we are all equally valuable as people and mutually rewarding connections can be made with all. 

I applied to study Politics at university because I wanted to devote my life to combatting global issues of climate change and inequality and thought understanding where power is held would give me insights how to achieve that. The Laidlaw Scholarship has bolstered my mission, introducing me to a vast, socially driven ambitious network who show that global progress is achievable. Being able to make an impact towards disability inclusion in education in Rwanda at age 19 was something I could not have imagined coming into university and I aspire to further my work in international development in the future. 

While professionally, the self-guided field research experience strengthened significantly my project management and my evaluative abilities and exposed me to numerous impressive professionals, my main takeaways are more personal. 

I echoed with self-pride following my time in Rwanda as I had successfully lived on my own in a totally foreign country, built a community of friends, made proactive choices and plans and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. From that I was empowered to apply on a year abroad, heralding the value of international experiences for reducing my prejudices, developing my interpersonal skills and providing a holistic experience. University and work life can feel like drudgery but embarking on it abroad is a holistic, enriching and valuable experience. Ps as someone who has lived in 8 countries (if we count my 2 months in Rwanda) the “novelty effect” never gets old