Leader Testimony - Alyssa

Participating in the Leaders of Tomorrow program was an incredibly rewarding experience. I learned how to communicate more clearly, lead with confidence, and create an environment where students felt excited to participate. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how much leadership involved reading the group and adjusting your approach in the moment, which is something I got better at with each session.

A tip I learned along the way is to be an energetic and warm presence, while also not being afraid to set boundaries and maintain the structure of the group. Students respond well to enthusiasm, but they also thrive with clear expectations. Balancing both helped keep the workshops smooth, fun, and focused.

I also became a better public speaker and group facilitator by learning how to give clear, engaging instructions and guide activities in a way that kept everyone involved and on track. Many students were initially nervous or reluctant to participate, especially those who didn't enjoy public speaking or felt unsure of themselves. It was incredibly fulfilling to see those same students slowly build confidence and start contributing. By the end of the program, they were more expressive, enthusiastic, and willing to step outside their comfort zone. Some even told us how much fun they had and how thankful they were for the experience. Teachers also shared that students who were usually quiet in class were especially engaged during our sessions.

Overall, the program helped me grow in leadership, communication, and teamwork. It was exciting to see the impact we had, not just in helping students build skills, but in giving them a space where they felt seen, heard, and encouraged to be themselves.