Attending the North American Laidlaw Scholar Conference in New York was an unforgettable experience, from forming lasting connections with scholars from across the globe to understanding how leadership and curiosity are intertwined. The conference, held between Columbia University and Barnard College, created a dynamic environment for personal and academic growth and I am incredibly grateful I was given the opportunity to represent The University of Leeds, alongside Programme Manager Rebecca Shaw and fellow scholar Grace Nash.

One of the most insightful parts of the conference for me was the parallel sessions, where scholars presented their research and took questions. There were sessions about such a diverse range of topics, from reproductive justice to sustainability and climate change. It was uplifting to understand how scholars’ research is having real-world implications and seeing the passion behind these presentations renewed my sense of purpose within my own studies.

Connecting with such like-minded students yet with differing perspectives and experiences to me was fascinating and I absolutely loved chatting and spending time with people I would never have got to meet without being a Laidlaw scholar. On Friday evening, to break the ice, some scholars had organised activities to introduce New York to everyone, so Grace and I chose to head to Chinatown, lead by some of the Columbia scholars. I thoroughly enjoyed being shown around by students who knew the area, gaining a more authentic view of the city and loved pushing myself to speak with new, sociable individuals! Whether conversations happened during activities such as this, during lunch and breaks, or more formally during the conference sessions, there was a sense of openness and willingness to learn from each other, that I truly feel I embraced.

Each session and speaker brought a fresh perspective on the conference’s theme of ‘Curiosity’. The World Through the Lens of Another, led by Tony Evanko, certainly challenged the way I consider my views against others’. He encouraged us to think as someone with a completely different background and mindset to ourselves, solving problems in groups, which was uncomfortable at times, but a really useful exercise to experience curiosity in the context of empathy. Although having taken part in the Oxford Ethical Leadership Project already, it was insightful to hear Corey Crossan speak so passionately about the background and theory behind the project. She contextualised my understanding of the project in its importance and impact in shaping ethical leaders. I think everyone who listened to Jennifer Boylan’s keynote address was utterly moved and completely mesmerised by her storytelling and stage presence. She thoroughly captivated the room with her honest recount of how she came to terms with being transgender and her journey of self-discovery. Inspired does not really do justice how I felt after hearing her words. Jennifer left us with the idea that we should be more curious about ourselves, a sentiment I have tried to implement in my own life.

Having the backdrop of New York, a city known for its ambition, made the energy of the conference so vibrant and exciting. Walking between streets, each part of a network of possibilities, sparked my curiosity before the conference even began. Being in the city and getting to experience its sights and sounds during free time was an incredible bonus to the trip.

Overall, attending the North American Laidlaw Scholars’ Conference allowed me to connect with many other scholars, while being in an intellectually and personally enriching environment of incredible thinkers and researchers. I feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity and have returned home full of drive and curiosity.