My Past: My LD0 Experience

My Most Transformative Leadership Experiences in the Last Year:

1. 3LD0 Learning

One impactful moment in my leadership journey this past year came during our 3LD0 class on October 1st, when a guest lecturer spoke about the difference between positivist and constructivist mindsets in leadership. She used a metaphor that stuck with me: our minds are like bookshelves, filled with all the knowledge and experiences we’ve collected on a topic. But what happens when the shelf is full? Many people start rejecting new information, but we also have the option to build a new bookshelf. That metaphor struck me as it reflected the kind of leader I strive to be, which is someone who leads through growth, openness, and the constant pursuit of learning. Every time I think I know exactly how to lead, I try to stay open to new perspectives that challenge my assumptions and expand my thinking. That lecture reinforced that leadership is not about having all the answers but staying curious, humble, and willing to evolve with the people around me.

2. Greensuits Pod Leader

Another major turning point was serving as a Pod Leader with the Greensuits Welcome Week Team. I had the chance to work with upper-year and younger students from a wide range of backgrounds, each with their unique leadership styles. I learned so much by simply observing how they interacted with the first-year students. Some were calm and personal, which resonated with quieter, more introverted students, while others brought loud energy that helped spark enthusiasm and excitement in other students. Watching this in action helped me realize that leadership is not one-size-fits-all. People respond to different types of leaders depending on their own needs, and every approach, when authentic, can be equally impactful. That experience reminded me that strong leadership isn’t about being the most charismatic person in the room, but about meeting people where they are and adapting to support them best.

3. Entrepreneurship JDCC Delegate

I also saw massive growth in my role as an Entrepreneurship delegate on the JDCC competition team. The year before, I was one of the delegation’s youngest and least experienced members. This year, I returned as one of only three returning delegates, with the most experience on my team and some of the most on the entire delegation. It completely shifted how I saw myself as a leader. I was not only there to learn anymore but also to lead, mentor, and pass on the experience that had once been shared with me. I had to step into a more authoritative leadership role while remaining open and collaborative. It taught me that leadership can evolve, as sometimes you are the learner, and other times you are the guide. I realized I had more to offer than I had previously thought, and that sharing knowledge and building others up is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership.

4. My Exchange Experience

Lastly, my ongoing exchange in Bordeaux, France, has been one of my life’s most personally transformative experiences. I have been here for over three months, navigating a completely new environment independently. From figuring out public transportation, adjusting to different school expectations, and learning new social customs, the transition has been far more challenging than anticipated. I struggled with the absence of my usual support systems and the comfort of familiarity. However, this experience has shown me how strong and resilient I can be. I learned that processing change takes time, and that leadership can also mean remaining steady and self-aware during periods of personal challenge. Because I gave myself that space and stayed committed, I have found myself in what I would call one of the best phases of my life, full of growth, excitement, and discovery.