LEAP Cohort 6
Political Science/Philosophy double major
Co-Coordinator for Belmont Mentoring Program through the Civic Engagement Office
What made you want to step up as a leader on campus?
I was really involved in community service projects and starting projects of my own back in high school. I wanted to transfer some of my skills and experiences over to Bryn Mawr. LEAP made that possible by providing me with the training necessary to help bring out my confidence, and to shape me to be a better leader. Why Belmont? It was my first year participating in the mentoring program, and the “Coordinator” position opened up. It was a combination of my commitment to the mentoring program, my LEAP training, and a nudge from a friend that I took the “leap.”
How do you think LEAP has impacted your leadership and academic skills?
LEAP has helped me immensely in my position as Co-Coordinator. That’s not to say that LEAP isn’t applicable elsewhere. For me, I really enjoyed the “bus activity/analogy.” Knowing what you need in order to get a project off the ground, but also knowing when to “abandon the bus.”
How do you handle feeling overwhelmed or overburdened by your different responsibilities on campus?
I know I say: “I know what my limits are, especially after all these years!” But, it’s still a learning process. I would like to think that I have “it” more figured out than I did in previous years, but balancing academics and clubs/service projects is still a challenge. I know about myself that I personally like being busy, as opposed to having nothing to do. So, the push-and-pull from all directions is welcome.
How to de-stress: running and hot yoga, or a bowl of avocado fudge, because sometimes it’s necessary to treat yourself.
What is your most memorable LEAP experience, either as a program participant or as an alumnae?
The capstone project. Definitely the capstone project. I chose the AWLU (Asian Women Leadership University) project, and worked with Maggie Xiao. We were tested on the very first day: How do we fundraise for the AWLU initiative if there is no start-up or seed money? So, as a group, we decided to change our goal. Instead of fundraising taking center stage, we organized a paneled-discussion, and invited Professors and the Founder of the AWLU to speak on “Women’s Education in an International Context.”
Have you found that your leadership style has changed since graduating from LEAP? How so?
Back when I started LEAP, I decided that I was a warrior. But years later, I think I’m actually a combination of warrior and artist–conflicting, I know. I still take charge whenever I can, but I’ve come to learn to let go, so that others can lead and learn from their experiences as well. I say artist, because I allow my emotions (i.e. empathy) influence some of my decisions.
What has been your most joyful memory at Bryn Mawr?
Convocation, thus far. Senior year has so many ups!
What was the greatest challenge you have ever faced at Bryn Mawr?
Writing my first Plato paper for Professor Dostal. You would not believe how difficult that was.
What advice would you give to freshmen, sophomore, and junior students at Bryn Mawr?
Take risks now. Enjoy your time here. You don’t know how quickly it goes by.