Leader Testimony - Stephanie

Leaders of Tomorrow was an amazing and meaningful experience for me. It made me realize how much both the students and I can grow and learn through public speaking. I had the privilege of watching students step out of their comfort zones and genuinely enjoy the process of speaking in front of others. Seeing their smiles and enthusiasm as they actively participated proved just how impactful this opportunity was for them. Consistent feedback I received from teachers was that students who rarely spoke up in class found the courage to use their voice and truly enjoyed doing so during this event, which made me proud of both myself and the students.

Throughout the program, I developed stronger communication, facilitation, and mentorship skills, and I learned how to adapt to different learning styles and group dynamics. It was incredibly rewarding to watch students come out of their shells, build confidence, and take ownership of their growth. This experience not only solidified my passion for teaching, but also reminded me that even small moments of encouragement can have a lasting impact on a young person’s journey.

Although there were times when students would not listen, and were far too hyper, instead of taking it as a setback, I found it rewarding and happy to see students so excited to learn and participate. Seeing how the students were so supportive of each other made me realize that, the only barrier to building confidence and fear of judgement is not the audience itself, but one’s own self. It was also an incredible experience for me, as it also helped with my public speaking skills, as I felt more confident, and for the moment during excitement, made me lose my fear of speaking in front of an audience.

Although there were times when students were overly energetic or had trouble listening, I didn’t view these moments as setbacks. Instead, I saw them as a sign of their excitement and eagerness to learn and participate, which was incredibly rewarding to witness. Their enthusiasm reminded me that learning doesn’t always look perfect, but it’s often in these moments that the most growth happens.

What stood out most to me was how supportive the students were of each other. Watching them cheer one another on made me realize that the biggest barrier to building confidence isn't the audience-it's the fear we place on ourselves.

It was also an incredible experience for me personally. Leading sessions and engaging with the students helped strengthen my own public speaking skills. I found myself speaking with more confidence, and during those moments of shared excitement, I lost track of time, and the fear I had myself. I am so excited to attend future events and look forward to continuing making a positive impact on these children. This experience reminded me of the reason I wanted to go into teaching in the first place: to make a lasting impact and become someone these students will remember as they grow up to become leaders of tomorrow.