I just completed my Laidlaw journey, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have been part of such an incredible program. This experience allowed me to take on meaningful challenges, grow as a global citizen, and reflect on my personal development. I am especially grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation and the EPFL Laidlaw team for their support, guidance, and investment in students like me.

The Laidlaw program itself was an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded people from all over the world and to learn so much about leadership. Throughout the workshops, trainings, and shared experiences, I developed skills in empathy, active listening, mindfulness, and ethical leadership. I learned that leadership is not just about giving directions, but about empowering and inspiring others, collaborating across cultures, and taking initiative in challenging situations. The program also helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement while building lasting friendships and networks with peers who share the same passion for making a positive impact.

During my summer in Nepal, I worked on teaching computer skills to 34 students across two schools, including a village school and a deaf school. Most of the students had never used a computer before, but their enthusiasm and motivation allowed us to teach advanced skills, even video editing. I also helped train the teachers to ensure the sustainability of digital education in these rural communities. Throughout the project, I learned resilience, initiative, and collaboration across language and cultural barriers, while building strong relationships with the local community. This experience, along with the leadership and self-awareness trainings provided by Laidlaw, has been transformative and unforgettable.