From participating in the Laidlaw Programme, I can confidently say that my understanding of leadership and its core values has evolved significantly from when I started. Prior to beginning the programme, leadership was primarily a position of power and authority to me, and leaders were there to dictate the actions of those they lead. Yet, the programme’s emphasis on ethical leadership has allowed me to understand how leadership, although it still holds an emphasis on leading others, can be done in a manner that serves and empowers them to reach their full potential. The programme has enabled me to learn the values of honesty, integrity, humility, and empathy as essential core values for my own effective leadership. 

After my experience on the programme and in Fiji, I am more committed than ever to making a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children. Particularly, I want to begin my research and activism in the area of socioeconomic inequalities that are currently prevalent in our national and international education and healthcare systems. 

I have been fortunate to be accepted into a Master’s programme at University College London to study Child Clinical Psychology this coming September, where I plan to use what I have learned in the programme to work with others to make even the smallest positive impact in the lives of disadvantaged children and their families. One area in particular that I hope to branch into is the improvement of access to mental health services for low-income families. In order to make a measurable impact, I want to begin by conducting my own research for my PG dissertation on the most pressing needs in the communities of those I wish to serve. This would involve reaching out to community organisations and healthcare providers to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families in accessing mental health services, an activity that the Laidlaw programme has prepared me incredibly well for. 

I further hope to continue my current research on evidence-based practices that are tailored to specific, marginalised populations, and establish how these interventions can be implemented in low socioeconomic communities. To successfully achieve this, I will need to collaborate with healthcare professionals and providers, community organisations and government agencies in order to develop a comprehensive strategy for improving access to mental health services. To ensure I am making an actual impact, I will continue to carry the learning practices I have learnt through Laidlaw by setting specific goals and objectives for my progress. I will also collect data and feedback from the communities I work with to evaluate the effectiveness of my interventions and make adjustments as needed. 

The Laidlaw Foundation and Career’s Services at Trinity College Dublin have provided me with invaluable opportunities for learning, leadership and development, and I believe it is now my responsibility to use these skills for good whilst continuing my own professional and personal growth and development.