Ava Mahnken, Villanova Chapter Member, Class of 2028

When  someone trusts me and turns to me for help or direction, it means a great deal to me. I think it is very important that someone feels safe in opening themselves up to me about something private. I do care about the people in my life, and so it is important that I am someone they turn to when they need help. I am reminded of the importance of just being there for someone sometimes when the most important thing you do for them is sit and listen. 

ILEAP skills have prepared me because they have provided me with a better understanding of how to react when someone approaches me with an issue. Prior to having these skills, I would always feel the pressure to solve a problem or give advice instantly. However, now that I have learned these skills, I make sure that I take time to understand what is needed from me at the particular point in time. The ILEAP framework serves as a set of guidelines which include active listening, asking relevant questions, being empathic and focusing on another person's point of view first.

Paraphrasing, among all ILEAP skills, seems to be the toughest for me. Although I realize that paraphrasing shows my understanding of another person and shows him/her that I am listening; at times, it becomes difficult for me. This is because I do not want the other person to get an impression that I did not listen to them attentively, but rather repeat whatever they are saying. Although I understand the importance of paraphrasing as it helps in making sure that the other person is understood and given an opportunity to clear any misunderstanding, it remains the toughest skill for me. Above all, ILEAP has changed the way I approach my daily interaction with my family and friends, and has helped me become a better listener and person all around.