My supervisor Zuzanna has definitely played an important role in making my LiA a great learning opportunity. Although I came in thinking I would be mostly learning hard skills, it turns out the soft skills I learned have been even more powerful. Specifically, watching how she interacted with others taught me interpersonal skills - focusing on emphasizing a comfortable, safe environment by making sure to lead with compassion and always coming in with an open mind and willingness to help. Furthermore, I learned how to use emotional intelligence to navigate difficult intelligence and problem solve. For me, this comes through leadership that maintains professionalism while simultaneously attempting to foster friendly conversation and mutual understanding. This has come to play during my LiA in the form of interactions with certain beneficiaries. Occasionally, some beneficiaries might come in holding views that are generally perceived as shockingly inappropriate in a country with Western culture, such as France. One repeated example of this has been in regards to women's roles in society. 

Looking at things through their own point of view is important, while challenging and even uncomfortable, however, doing so helps in starting a healthy conversation based on respect that allows us to begin sharing our cultural norms with them.