What went well?
(The progress I made; what was achieved and done)

This week, I focused on reaching out to possible interviewees. I faced difficulty in finding a suitable expert who wished to participate in the interview with me. I set up the topic to “Nuclear Wastes”, which is an often-overlooked topic within the subject of nuclear energy due to the discourse’s focus on its renewability as an energy source. Multiple emails were not returned with any replies until I reached out to the Rachel Carson Centre for Environment and Society at Munich. A scholar and researcher of the Centre who is a historian and an anthropologist responded to the request for an interview. I was able to schedule a meeting next week. Meanwhile, I researched the scholar’s history and interests within the nuclear energy industry to structure the interview questions. In the remaining time, I further communicated with my program advisor to edit my previous article while organizing my resources for the journalism guide, which I was composing based on the reflections I made throughout the project.

What could have been done differently?
(Things that did not get done and/or could be changed)

The main thing I could have done better would be to have realized that seeking flexibility in my ambition is essential for reaching out to possible interviewees. I faced failures when I reached out to possible researchers and scholars who may be suitable for the interview within Berlin for possible in-person interviews. However, I was unable to find success until I widened my scope to Munich, where I finally received a positive response. If I had decided to take the interview online for a wider scope, I would have been able to find success in having interviews much sooner.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?
(Contributions, behaviours and values I exhibited)

As six weeks come to a close despite the additional time it will take for me to finalize the works due to my editor’s feedback and reviews that require more time, I had reflected on the quality of being “extraordinary” listed as one of Laidlaw Scholars values. Throughout my participation in the Laidlaw Scholars Program, I had doubts on whether I am as extraordinary as I am supposed to be. Despite the achievements, enduring all of failures, mistakes, and rejections have had me contemplating over my own “extraordinary” qualities as well as its necessity as a leader. Yet, as I worked through the various struggles over the weeks, where nothing fell apart as disastrously as I imagined that it would, I believe that highlighting the quality of “extraordinariness” is not necessary. Not being extraordinary is fine. Nothing turns into ash or failure. We can still get through the hardships, and trying to put such a label only results in more introspective struggles. Such approach in collaborating with others would also allow me to put myself on same grounds as others rather than viewing myself on a pedestal. This approach would bolster collaboration.

What did I learn about leadership?
(Leadership attributes and insights I developed)

As I mentioned in the previous section, I gained an insight into what good leadership is. I have always believed that although many leaders may exist, a “good” leader comes from an extraordinary individual. I believed that individuals who have extraordinary achievements and recognitions without being a leader will become a good leader as well. However, I now believe that these individuals became good leaders not for their “extraordinary” abilities, but due to their ability to be humble and relate with others as a human being with flaws and issues. The ability to recognize that they are not special regardless of their achievements ironically allows them to become a good and 'extraordinary' leader as they are willing to collaborate, receive help, and grow.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?
(What I still need to develop)

In the upcoming week, I hope to conduct the interview, write my final article, and communicate with my editor to finalize the works. I further wish to develop my time management skills as there are many tasks to be completed this coming week due to the travels between cities and flights.