Political Science Major: ‘This Has Been a Profound Learning Experience For Me’

Working as a tutor for kids through New Haven Reads has been an immensely fulfilling experience, one that allows me to exercise my leadership skills on a daily basis. It is heartwarming to witness how the children perceive me as a role model, and I strive to live up to their expectations. To ensure their progress in reading skills and constant learning, I set clear goals and meticulously plan each tutoring session. By doing so, I create an environment that nurtures growth and empowers the children to unlock their full potential.

Guiding them on this educational journey not only strengthens their abilities but also instills in them the confidence to tackle new challenges. Witnessing their achievements is a testament to the power of effective leadership and reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact on their lives.

My experience has been invaluable in shaping my leadership abilities and providing me with valuable skills for my future endeavors. Working with kids has taught me the significance of being a positive leader. I have come to understand that a positive leader, one who supports and encourages everyone while celebrating their achievements, can have a profound impact.

‘An immense sense of pride’

Witnessing how my support and encouragement inspire the children to thrive has reinforced my belief in the power of positivity. It has instilled in me the desire to embody this positive leadership approach in my daily life and future career, knowing that it can make a real difference in the lives of those around me. I am grateful for the lessons learned and look forward to utilizing these skills to create a positive and empowering environment wherever I go.

Apart from the valuable lessons I've learned from the kids, this has been a profound learning experience for me in terms of leadership. I had the opportunity to assist in training new interns, which initially filled me with apprehension, as I doubted my own knowledge and abilities to guide others. However, as each Friday approached, I felt an immense sense of pride because I had successfully completed all the assigned tasks.

I believe my success stemmed from our collective willingness to learn about the role of an intern at New Haven Reads and our eagerness to prepare for the upcoming summer clubs. Personally, I consider my approach successful because I consistently emphasized teamwork, dividing tasks, and delegating responsibilities. For future instances, I aim to enhance communication within the entire team, as the initial lack of familiarity hindered some individuals from seeking help. Nonetheless, as the week progressed, we managed to overcome this barrier and establish a more cohesive and supportive environment.

‘I am proud of the progress I have made’

I strongly believe that being a successful leader requires a specific set of skills. Firstly, organization is crucial. Planning ahead, envisioning goals for both yourself and the entire team is essential. Secondly, creating a positive environment for the team is paramount. Fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere where individuals are genuinely happy to work is key to maintaining morale and productivity.

Lastly, effective delegation of tasks and responsibilities ensures that everyone contributes equally. It is important to ensure a fair distribution of work and to empower team members by entrusting them with meaningful responsibilities. By embodying these qualities, a leader can inspire their team and foster a culture of success and collaboration.

There has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me, but amidst the ups and downs, I am incredibly proud of myself. I have experienced a range of feelings, from excitement to stress, but through it all, I have gained valuable knowledge and skills. What stands out the most is my growing comfort in working under pressure. As challenges presented themselves, I learned to navigate them with composure and resilience. Each hurdle became an opportunity for growth, and I embraced them wholeheartedly.

The satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and acquiring new knowledge has further fueled my determination to continue pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I am proud of the progress I have made and excited for the future challenges that await, knowing that I am becoming more adept at thriving in high-pressure situations.

Nora Isabela Garcia Punin ’26, a political science major at the University, is working with New Haven Reads as part of the University’s President’s Public Service Fellowship program.