John C. Maxwell once said that “A leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Read on for my reflections on my participation in leadership and its importance in developing global citizens.
YALE YOUNG GLOBAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM (2018):
Participated in the competitive Politics/Law/Economics session for two weeks at the Yale University campus. This program allowed me to participate in seminars, breakout sessions, and lectures with current Yale professors/grad students surrounding topics related to responsibilities of global citizens. More importantly, however, it allowed me to understand the complex yet interconnected forces that govern our understanding of the world. As an Albertan, I am a proud citizen of our province, but can use my own experiences and lifestyle to contribute to broader discussions about our goals as a global community. For example, the program concluded with a capstone project, in which I spoke of flaws with the international criminal prosecution of genocide/wartime rape. Forming broader dialogue with others regarding how we can better promote justice and action within our global institutional frameworks is a testament to the powerful nature of reaching beyond borders to realize common objectives. What was truly awe-inspiring, however, was the ability to collaborate with individuals of all backgrounds on this final project. The project attracts applicants from hundreds of countries worldwide, allowing for unique and international perspectives to be shared in each discussion. Engaging with issues of global significance with a global audience has only piqued my curiosity in international affairs and understanding how diversity of experiences can help strengthen the impact and effectiveness of worldwide institutions.
STUDENT DIRECTOR, STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR BURSARY FUND (2019-2020):
Co-chaired the student/family donation campaign for the graduating Class of 2020, providing funding for scholarships to deserving students demonstrating financial need. Established in 2008, the graduating class bursary fund has been organized by our school to provide funding for deserving students demonstrating financial need. It usually entails collaboration between the advancement department and 1-2 students to coordinate and seek donations from their classmates. This service opportunity has been one of the most challenging I've undertaken due to the sensitive nature of fundraising and approaching individuals in the community for monetary contributions. However, I was extremely passionate in communicating the values and goals of the program to seek widespread participation from the graduating class. The aspect of this service that I enjoyed most was assuming a lead role in coordinating and facilitating outreach to the broader school community in conjunction with departments of the school that students rarely engage with. The skill of communication was particularly relevant to this opportunity, not only in reporting progress but also in sharing the vision of the fund and garnering participation from the graduating class. However, the most fulfilling aspect of this opportunity was in facilitating collaboration between my peers to support a worthy cause, with 95% participation and over $3,500 in student scholarship funds raised at the time of writing. Self-Management and Social skills were also imperative with regard to tracking existing donations and determining appropriate outreach approaches to students and family in the community. Ultimately, while challenging, this service opportunity was a pleasure to undertake and provided meaningful insights into the value of communication and relationship building in rallying students to support and understand a common vision.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD RECIPIENT
Awarded to students internationally who demonstrate exceptional commitment to service, citizenship, and pursuit of activities in line with individual passions and interests. Achievements and commitment recognized by Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Canada. Activities included weekly youth speech/debate mentoring as well as competing in speech/debate personally, religious volunteering, drumming, badminton, embarking on a three-day, self-organized backpacking journey in wilderness, and offering technology instruction to seniors. 200+ hours were accumulated across service, leadership, and extracurricular activity.
Yale Young Global Scholars 2018