Lucas Milgrim, UPenn Chapter, Class of 2027

I use the skills I have learned as a CogWell student leader every day. In my personal life, the active listening practices are so important to every conversation I hold. Whether I’m talking to family, friends, or strangers, I am much more cognizant of my behavior and actions when I’m listening to others. This awareness is helpful on its own, but the specific active listening skills, like those in ILEAP, make me an even better listener. I strengthen my relationships with others because of these practices, and I otherwise would not understand the importance of them without CogWell. Being a leader in my chapter of CogWell has helped me become a better communicator in addition to improving my listening skills. As I lead workshops and help to spread our organizational mission, I learn how to describe the importance of active listening and explain the skills I use to others that are unfamiliar with them. Communicating these to others is often a difficult task, but it has helped me to become a better teacher and makes it easier for me to have conversations where I am trying to educate others, on important academic or professional topics, or personal interests. Finally, as a student leader, I have gained many leadership skills that are applicable in any scenario. I am more organized and prepared to lead discussions or brainstorm ideas that can help advance our club’s mission and reach as many people as possible.