When I reflect upon my entire Laidlaw experience, I can truly say that it has not just developed me in a professional sense by equipping me with key academic research skills, but it has genuinely enhanced my perspective of the world and my own place within it.

When I initially applied for the scholarship, one of my primary goals was to learn how to truly understand people and gain the right skills which would enable me to lead people towards making change. Now, I can successfully say that I have truly enhanced my leadership skills. I feel that I have become a more empathetic, understanding, and emotionally intelligent leader.

The wide range of different workshops we had throughout the two years, has greatly contributed to my growth. Engaging in insightful conversations about intercultural differences, networking, public speaking, and project management, amongst others, was vital to my growth. Getting to explore wider topics like personal development and self-awareness has enabled me to develop the key soft skills that I need to become the effective leader I wish to be.

However, what has had the biggest impact on my leadership journey has definitely been my LiA experience at the Timothy Smith Network. The Timothy Smith Network is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bridging the digital divide for students from underrepresented and minority communities. As soon as I discovered TSN, I felt deeply drawn towards their mission of enhancing access to technology and digital literacy in underserved communities. They provide young people with an incredible amount of support, resources, and opportunities to teach them to believe in themselves and in their capabilities, no matter their race, gender, or economic background. As someone who grew up as part of an ethnic minority group, I deeply related to the struggles and hardships these young people faced, not having grown up with easy access to technology resources that could help accelerate professional development. TSN is a programme that I always wished to have growing up, and so I knew that I had to be a part of it.

This international volunteering experience enabled me to develop a deeper understanding of what effective leadership entails, especially in the context of service and community impact. One key lesson was the importance of empathy and relatability. By connecting with students who faced similar challenges to those I experienced, I was able to foster a sense of trust and rapport. This taught me that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about understanding and sharing in their journeys.

Working with TSN showed me the value of inclusivity and diversity in leadership. Seeing the positive outcomes of providing equal access to technology and education reinforced my belief that effective leaders must advocate for and implement inclusive practices. This involves not only recognising the unique needs of diverse groups but also actively working to remove barriers to their success.

Additionally, the experience highlighted the significance of resilience and adaptability. Leading in an environment where resources are limited, and the needs are great required innovative thinking and a flexible approach. I learned that a good leader must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and find creative solutions to complex problems.

Finally, my time with TSN taught me the power of education and empowerment. The fact that TSN gives students from underrepresented backgrounds technology education and support made me realise that empowering others to achieve their potential is a fundamental aspect of leadership. Effective leaders inspire and elevate those around them, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond individual accomplishments to benefit the entire community.

The lessons I learned from my LiA experience at the Timothy Smith Network will be invaluable in my future leadership plans. As I pursue a career in strategy consulting and eventually aim to start my own business or lead an existing one, the skills I developed—such as empathy, inclusivity, resilience, adaptability, and empowerment—will be crucial. In consulting, understanding, and relating to diverse client needs is essential for creating effective strategies. My time at TSN taught me how to approach challenges with innovative solutions and a flexible mindset, which are vital in the dynamic business world. Additionally, my commitment to working with minority communities will be strengthened by the inclusive practices I learned at TSN, enabling me to foster environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Overall, I had the most amazing LiA experience and I am so grateful to TSN, Laidlaw, Trinity College Dublin and everybody who made it possible. I hope that these leadership principles will not only help me excel professionally but also ensure that I make a meaningful impact on the communities I will serve in the future.