Leader Testimony - Divya

My experience with LoT was incredibly rewarding and impactful. Throughout my time in the program, I learned so much about myself, teaching, and working with kids. One of the biggest skills I gained was learning how to project my voice and speak confidently from a leadership or teaching perspective. I became more sure of myself when guiding a classroom, knowing when to step in to help keep things respectful and organized, and just as importantly, when to step back and give kids the space to show leadership and initiative.

I also learned how to encourage kids to come out of their shells and how to recognize when someone might need a little extra support in order to thrive. These moments of connection and watching someone grow, open up, and feel proud of themselves, were some of the most meaningful parts of the experience for me.

Being part of LoT helped me grow in so many ways. It made me more confident in public speaking and strengthened my love for working with kids. I became more passionate and enthusiastic about helping them grow, while also having fun alongside them. I also learned a lot just by watching my peers, as seeing how they interacted with students and managed a classroom gave me great insight and helped me grow my own skills.

Some standout moments that will always stay with me include coming up with team cheers during debates, hearing kids ask us to come back next year, and seeing a shy student slowly become more outgoing. One of my favourite memories was when a class surprised us with their own cheer: “I say toast, you say masters—TOAST! MASTERS!” It was the sweetest moment and such a heartwarming send-off!

If I had any tips for someone new to the program, I’d say: don’t be afraid to ask for help, your team is there for you. Step outside your comfort zone and grow with the kids. Don’t be afraid to be silly, as enthusiasm is contagious! And finally, while it’s important to maintain respect and structure, keeping the energy light and fun makes a world of difference.