Introduction 

Having the opportunity to join the Laidlaw programme is something I am extremely grateful for. It has given me the space to learn more about myself, better understand others and be optimistic about the future. This optimism stems from the Laidlaw scholars I shared this journey with, as I foresee a bright and ever-changing future in their capable hands. I am also immensely grateful for the Laidlaw foundation for pushing me to explore the realm of research outside of university studies whilst pushing me to see leadership learnings through research and experience. As such, I will always look back on my time at UCL with pride due to the Laidlaw scholars and for those that will be soon to come. 

Leadership Lessons 

Undertaking leadership training was an excellent experience wherein I learnt more about my own style and how to collaborate with others. Thinking back to April 2023, the trip to Cumberland Lodge was one of pushing new horizons and finding common ground with my fellow scholars and within myself. I particularly enjoyed the diplomatic leadership style, which I utilised in the spaghetti tower project. It was interesting to listen to multiple opinions on how to create as tall a tower as possible and even if my group failed to create a lasting building, by listening and letting views come together, we still felt a sense of accomplishment as we had worked together like a well-oiled machine, with no sense of tensions within the group. I also took the time across the programme to get to know my fellow scholars and be impressed with their achievements and drive for betterment of themselves and the world around them.  

First Year Summer Research 

I am also very grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation for giving me the opportunity to undertake high-level research during my first year of university. My project focused on the effectiveness of government responses to the HIV-AIDS pandemic in the UK and US and I was able to work with another scholar in collating research. I found the experience extremely enriching as it was a topic which I knew very little about and helped me better understand how governments react to pandemics, a subject of major focus after Covid. Furthermore, by working with another scholar, I was able to learn how to effectively co-write and collaborate with another researcher over a period of 6 weeks to come to collective conclusions and joint learnings. 

The Laidlaw Conference 2023 

Another memorable experience was attending the Laidlaw Scholars Conference held by Trinity College London last year. Firstly, it was my first visit to Dublin and the scholars at Trinity welcomed us with open arms. It was also a great opportunity to learn more about former Leadership in Action projects alongside the breadth of research undertaken by extremely talented scholars from across the world whilst showing me how global the Laidlaw scholars' network is!  

An LIA in America 

Lastly, my Laidlaw journey culminated with an LIA at Duke University in North Carolina. Looking to both continue my health policy research and learn more about leadership, I sought out a project at Duke’s Global health Institute. There, I learnt more about pressing issues affecting global health and remedies that local and international leaders approved. Furthermore, by working alongside senior academics, I was able to share opinions and work collaboratively to come to collective conclusions. My biggest takeaway, was learning about the importance of being informed in leadership, taking advice from professionals and checking before acting.  

Conclusion

Overall, I look back on my Laidlaw journey as one filled with teachings, opportunity and impact. I am extremely grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation for providing this wonderful opportunity and to the UCL Laidlaw Coordinator, Christopher Cullen, for organising the cohort so well and ensuring we made the most out of the scholarship!