Photo by Alan Wu
Inspired by her will to help others realize their full potential, Amy Zhao (MSE 1T6) exemplifies a leader who continually wants to learn more about herself through her experience. She co-chaired the Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (UnERD) in 2014, and is a member of the MSE Industry Club. Amy is also active in her physical life as a member of the Iron Dragons, Skule’s dragon boat race team. Amy took ILead course Foundations of Engineering Leadership (APS343). Here are her thoughts on leadership education.
Why do you want to be an engineer?
I want to be an engineer because I love chemistry and biology. I want to apply this passion to various problems outside the human body, and I felt that engineering was a good avenue to pursue that.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership means pushing the boundaries of yourself and others to create the positive change you are seeking. It means that you push the boundaries of what others believe is possible, challenging yourself and others to create something extraordinary.
What would the world look like if more engineers developed their leadership capability?
I think the world would be a much better place. Various social problems including poverty and the lack of accessible education worldwide, would be better managed. Extraordinary new technologies will be created, redefining our world. Far too many people are willing to simply go with the status quo, and I think if more engineers and people in general would develop their leadership capabilities, the world would be completely different, in a positive way.
Describe a pivotal moment in your life where you learned to become a better leader.
I think that moment happened when I was a co-chair of UnERD. Our faculty advisor gave the co-chairs feedback on how we were leading our team. She told us that she noticed disappointment in the team’s body language because we were pointing out flaws in people’s ideas instead of working together. I realized at this point that every action I do as a co-chair affects my team, and I should strive to support my team and not discourage them. Just because you have a inner leadership position does not mean you’re a good leader. This experience led me to take APS343, and it really changed my perspective on leadership and life.
How did APS343 impact you and your development?
I learned so many invaluable lessons from APS343. One of them is defining leadership in a completely different way than what I have previously heard – something beyond “leading a team.” I learned how to better observe the people around me, understanding how their values motivate them, and recognize the passion in people.
What’s the next stage of your journey?
I’m not too sure on specific details, but whatever I end up doing, I want to continue on improving myself, focusing mainly on my interpersonal skills, including leadership capabilities. I would like to keep taking on opportunities that challenge myself and improve those skills, all the while enjoying life and having fun.
-Kevin Saludares