Consider everything you know about the Leadership-in-Action component of the Laidlaw Scholars Program. With the information you’ve learned so far from the Laidlaw Foundation, the CRF staff, past and current Laidlaw Scholars and others, briefly summarize your understanding of the Leadership-in-Action component of the program:

The purpose of the LiA component of the program seems to be to encourage students to step outside of their comfort zones and engage in leadership activities for something they are passionate about. It seems as though it is highly encouraged for students to go somewhere they have never been/go outside of their comfort zones to do this. Additionally, it seems like students have a lot of freedom when deciding what they want to do for their LiA projects.  

Your Leadership-in-Action project should be an opportunity for you to engage in work that you feel strongly about, reflects your values and allows you to make a positive change for others. To help you consider the types of projects you may want to consider, Identify your top three core activities from the last three years. What are three experiences that made a lasting impact or were most meaningful to you? These can include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, jobs, internships, service trips, academic experiences, and beyond.

1. Core activity #1: Job
2. Core activity #2: Basketball 
3. Core activity #3: Orchestra  

For each of those activities, answer the following set of questions:

• Why did you pursue that activity in the first place? 
• #1: I wanted to save up some money for school. 
• #2: I joined on a whim; I just thought it would be fun. 
• #3:  One of my good friends was doing it and she encouraged me to do it with her. 
• While doing this activity, what did you learn about yourself, others, etc.? How did this activity change your perspective?
• #1: I learned to be a lot more patient than I used to be. I also learned that everyone comes from a different place, and you can’t judge anyone based on how they act in one situation. 
• #2: I learned that I really enjoyed working with a team of people, instead of working alone. 
• #3: Similar to #2, I learned that a whole group of people working together can accomplish a lot. 
• Looking back, what personal values were impacted by that experience? How were your personal values reflected in the work you did?
• #1: I became a lot more patient and understanding of other people and their perspectives. 
• #2: I got used to practicing a lot at one thing to get really good at it. 
• #3: I became a lot better at working with a whole group of people to achieve a common goal. 
• How did you get connected to this activity?
• #1: I applied/interviewed at a place near my house.
• #2: I tried out to join the team at my school. 
• #3: I had to give a performance; based on that performance I was accepted into the orchestra. 

This activity was intended to get you thinking about your values and how they impact the activities and opportunities that you choose to engage in. Use this process as a launching off point as you consider possible themes or goals for your Leadership-in-Action project. As you continue to reflect on possible Leadership-in-Action ideas, keep in mind that your project should:

• Enable you to apply the leadership attributes you’ve gained or expanded through the program
• Allow you to gain different perspectives through immersion in a new and challenging environment, preferably outside of the United States
• Support a community in need
• Help to make the world a better place

Next Steps:

• Explore the Laidlaw Scholars Network.
• Review past Central LiA projects and partner organizations.
• Identify past Scholar LiA projects that you want to learn more about.
• Connect with a Scholar from another partner institution either doing research or on LiA to discuss their work in the program.
• Begin drafting your initial p