Everyone can lead - and does lead - through their everyday actions. A third-year Computational Mathematics student is learning this in thanks to his involvement in UWaterloo's Student Leadership Program (SLP).
The Student Leadership Program gives students an opportunity to explore and enhance their leadership capabilities. Through a series of workshops they gain knowledge and develop skills in leadership on campus and within the community. Ankit Curchorcar did just that.
Ankit is currently a facilitator for the SLP workshops, which has given him the confidence to explore things outside of his comfort zone. Last term, Ankit participated as a model and dancer for a charity show with Fashion for Change. His experience presenting in front of an audience with the SLP gave him the courage to take the stage.
(With the SLP) I facilitated a couple of workshops each week, which included meeting new people. This experience allowed me to become more comfortable interacting with strangers. Slowly but steadily, my nervousness started creeping away and I was more confident in the way I spoke. I was able to carry this on to the stage, and shake off the dancing jitters. - Ankit Curchorcar
Ankit first came across the opportunity to be a facilitator when a fellow don suggested it to him. The don had already taken the 12 SLP workshops available and encouraged Ankit to consider it, feeling it would be a good fit for him.
Ankit tells us that the facilitating experience has been incredible.
I was under the impression that I would be nervous throughout the workshops and have my sentences run into one another while using filler words to cover up my slur of speech. But that wasn’t the case at all. I have been very calm in facilitating the workshops as reflected by the feedback form that is completed by participants. - Ankit Curchorcar
Ankit's exceptional leadership skills have not gone unnoticed; recently, he was appointed as the Team Lead for the SLP Workshop Facilitators.
If you would like to sign up for the Student Leadership Program to improve your own leadership skills, registration for the workshops opens on LEADS May 18. Participants have the opportunity to make new friends while earning a certificate for completing all 12 sessions. Learn more about the Student Leadership Program.
