So, it’s just shy of three weeks into the official start of my 2023 research project and I’ve already been lucky enough to have been on TWO residentials with my fellow University of Leeds Laidlaw Scholars! My other posts will track my progress through my research project (which you can find through my profile) but this post is a ✨special divergence ✨ to highlight my emotional and intellectual development as a leader and a scholar due to the two fantastic residentials organised by my amazing Laidlaw organisers Rebecca Shaw and Matthew Penhaligon.

👗RESIDENTIAL ONE; The Glamorous One 📝

This residential was our first real chance as ‘23 scholars to get to know each other past a materialistic level and to properly discuss our individual research projects. This residential lasted two full days starting at 8 am (the first test for those auditorily challenged, like me, whose brain selectively ignored the sounds of an alarm clock) and was chocked full of personalised sessions designed to build the skills of an ethical leader. These sessions ranged from recognising the strengths of a truly diverse team- instead of the easy option of synonymous coworkers that effectively generate an echo chamber- to interactive workshops on how to plan and organise our own research for each summer of Laidlaw. And, unforgettably, was the meal in the evening. I was delighted to find that my conversations were equally amicable with scholars and staff; Laidlaw allows the space to break down the superficial barriers between staff and students to create a communal creative space where anyone’s opinion can be equally respected and entertained regardless of their professional level. This is something I haven't seen in my university experience outside of Laidlaw and I think this was my biggest takeaway from residential one; an idea is its own entity. It can only be measured through its utility- not the creator’s age, name or profession- and true leaders acknowledge the contributions of all their team, not only those with years of experience.

🌲RESIDENTIAL TWO; The Muddy One ⛰️

Selside Residence opened for three days for the ‘23 Laidlaw scholar to quest out into the land of the unknown and undocumented (or as others may call it; the Yorkshire Dales). This time we were challenged with no signal and no rigid plan of action, so the organisation and structure of the residential were largely for us scholars to decide. Growing up in an anti-technology, pro-hippy and forest school household this seemed like a welcome break from the treadmill of city life, however this sentiment to throw my phone in a box and happily not look at it for three days was not shared by everyone. I learned to recognise that everyone’s comfort zones are shaped differently, and to be a truly successful leader you must learn to balance when to push someone and when one’s resilience is running out thus stopping before they are completely demoralised or exhausted. We laughed and debated and challenged each other through adventures of hiking, climbing, caving, painting, team games and rounders (my favourite sport!). Selside taught me that you will never be closer to a group of people than when you are all drenched in rain, struggling up a mountainside and still managing to make each other burst out laughing by singing “Summer” by Calvin Harris. I know with certainty that if I am ever struggling with my research I now have a network of not only scholars and professors to help- but also some pretty great friends.

 (p.s. special thanks to our Selside specialists Sam, Mary, Kitty, Katy, Stew and Nieve).