This summer taught me so much beyond what I expected. Of course I learned through my placement, but I also gained a lot of everyday life skills. Living in a new city made me much more independent. Without a dining hall, I had to plan every meal, grocery shop, and make sure I was eating enough while balancing work. I also learned how to navigate London's transportation system, especially during the Tube strikes when what was usually a 40 minute commute could easily turn into an hour and a half. Between the transportation delays and the unexpected heat waves with almost no air conditioning anywhere, I had to learn how to prepare ahead of time. I started freezing water bottles overnight so I would have cold water throughout the workday, planned backup routes before leaving, and gave myself extra time for almost everything. They seem like small adjustments, but they taught me to stay flexible and solve problems without getting overwhelmed.

The two people who had the biggest impact on me this summer were Sinead, the Centre Head at Maggie's, and Rebecca, the Volunteer Coordinator and nurse. From my first day, they made me feel welcomed and supported. They constantly checked in on me, even outside of work, because they knew I was living in another country as a Laidlaw Scholar. They always made sure I was doing well, recommended places to explore, answered my endless questions, and genuinely cared about my experience both inside and outside the center.

Watching them work has shown me what leadership really looks like. Every day they meet people going through some of the hardest moments of their lives, yet they always greet everyone with patience, kindness, and compassion. They know when to listen, when to offer support, and when simply being present is enough. Even on busy days, they never made anyone feel rushed. Seeing the way they care for people facing cancer and support families during incredibly difficult times reminded me that leadership is not about having the loudest voice or being in charge. It is about making people feel seen and cared for.

I hope to carry those lessons with me throughout my career. As someone hoping to become a physician, I want to remember that the small moments matter just as much as the medical care itself. Taking a few extra minutes to listen or simply showing kindness can make a difficult day a little easier. That is something I learned from Sinead, Rebecca, and the entire Maggie's community, and it is a lesson I know will stay with me long after this summer.