Laidlaw LiA Reflection Week 3: Finding Our Voices
As I look back on this third week with TSN, I can see how our group has begun to move beyond initial hesitations and into a space where creativity and connection meet. This week, new challenges and experiences reminded me just how much growth comes from stepping gently outside our comfort zones — together.
This week marked the start of our 3D modeling module. For many students, this was their first time turning ideas into something visual and tangible. There were moments of uncertainty, but also bursts of excitement as designs began to take shape on the screen.
Our field trip to BNN was another highlight. There, we learned not just about media and the power of sharing our voices, but also about what it means to present an idea well. The students were invited to do a mini presentation on their health prototypes.
For some, public speaking was clearly outside their comfort zone — there were nerves, quiet voices, and hesitant starts. I found myself struggling to encourage more participation — not just in answering questions, but in sharing thoughts, asking for help, or even just chatting with one another about their projects. But there were also students who seemed to light up in front of an audience, sharing their ideas with surprising clarity and confidence. Watching this mix, I realized how much we all need encouragement — that little push — and courage to find our voice.
Wanting to help bridge these gaps, I realized I needed to foster more comfort not just between myself and the students, but among the students themselves. I made a conscious effort to connect with students outside the formal classroom. Sharing meals, joking around, and simply treating them as friends helped create a sense of ease and trust. I also tried to model vulnerability and openness myself — admitting when I did not know something, inviting questions, and celebrating small successes, no matter how minor. The result was a slow but steady increase in engagement and trust. I could see students begin to relax, open up, and even support each other more freely. It was rewarding to watch students uplift each other and share tips, building a bold sense of teamwork as they navigated new technology.
This week also brought new responsibilities. I learned to take on practical tasks like logging bills of materials for the students’ projects and keeping an eye out for changes. It was a lesson in staying organized and communicating clearly, knowing that even small details can make a big difference to the team’s progress.
Looking back, I am grateful for how this week challenged me to rethink what it means to lead and teach. I am learning that progress is not always loud or immediate; sometimes it is in the quieter moments — when a student smiles, asks a question, or supports a peer. By building comfort and trust, we are all finding our voices, one step at a time. As we move forward, I look forward to seeing how our confidence and creativity will continue to grow, both in and out of the classroom.
Hello, everyone! I’m Kathleen, a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Hong Kong’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. As a goal-driven student, I have a keen interest in conducting literature and experimental scientific research in areas such as bioinformatics, oncology, stem cells, genetics, neuroscience, and pharmacology. I am passionate about deepening my understanding of these fields and contributing to advancements in medicine and biomedical innovation.
Please sign in
If you are a registered user on Laidlaw Scholars Network, please sign in