Sandya Das
MLI Class of 2005
Wellesley College
International Relations
~ Pickering Fellow ~
Alumni Reflection Essay |
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“At our closing ceremony of the Maryland Leadership Institute (MLI), my peer welcomed us by stating that “we are the leaders of not just tomorrow, but today”. As his words echoed in my ears, I was slowly reminded of the different aspects of leadership I learned throughout the program. The past seven weeks of intensive learning provided me with the confidence and tools to create change in government, international institutions, and in our own communities today. The program's emphasis on the many aspects of leadership strengthened my understanding of cultural competence, improved my analytical writing skills, and my ability to use statistical and economic models for policy analysis. |
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Through MLI's intellectually stimulating environment, I was able to develop substantive knowledge on issues concerning ethics of international development policies, national security and terrorism. These courses increased my awareness of world affairs and allowed me to interact with distinguished scholars and international journalists. At Wellesley College and in my future career with the U.S. State Department, I am prepared to further advance my knowledge of global affairs and international cooperation. |
Not only did MLI provide participants with graduate level coursework, but it also stressed cultural competence as a component of effective leadership. I broadened my understanding of communicating between governmental agencies to include the ability to move across institutional cultural boundaries. In our Policy II negotiation simulation, I practiced this skill when I articulated the position of the Department of Defense to the National Security Council on how to allocate additional homeland security funds. As a result, I am more aware of incorporating cultural competence into negotiation and conflict resolution and dealing with different constituencies when I become a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.
The past seven weeks allowed me to reexamine my aspirations to improve my personal well being, my relationships, and to reaffirm my passion to be an informed social leader. I enhanced my public speaking skills through engaging dialogue with faculty and peers. Whether my peers and I were on the train or working on policy memos late at night, we challenged each other to think critically about the world's problems from different perspectives. Additionally, I strengthened my sense of confidence and my ability to frame intelligent
questions using my prior knowledge and skills. I also had the opportunity to observe my peer's leadership qualities as they raised provocative questions at site visits and Brody forums.
MLI's mission to cultivate leaders of today in international affairs fortified my professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and my passion to develop personal connections with people from different parts of the world. I gained invaluable friendships and a strong support network with people passionate to pursue careers in public service. Through the program, I developed the confidence to face challenges in communication and to lead efforts that address the world's most pressing international security concerns and civil liberties abuses. “ |
| “MLI's mission to cultivate leaders of today in international affairs fortified my professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and my passion to develop personal connections with people from different parts of the world.” |
