RSM: What the Power of Being Understood means to me

Summary

Derek Lam, a sophomore in Information Security at Cal Poly Pomona, emphasizes the importance of honesty and patience through his transformative experience in Nicaragua. By listening to the needs of a local orphanage, his team successfully implemented a community action project, providing essential benches for the children to eat, learn, and play. This experience fostered a deep understanding of the power of trust and empathy in creating a lasting positive impact, which he now applies in his leadership role within his organization.

Takeaways

• 📚 Derek Lam is a sophomore studying Information Security at Cal Poly Pomona.
• 🎓 He values honesty and patience as key traits, likely important in his field of study.
• 🌍 Derek had the opportunity to visit Nicaragua, indicating a global perspective.
• 🏛️ He was involved in a Community Action project for a local orphanage, showing a commitment to community service.
• 💺 The project involved providing new benches, addressing a practical need for the orphanage.
• 🤝 Derek emphasizes the importance of patiently listening and understanding to create a positive impact.
• 🔐 He developed a level of trust and understanding through his actions, which is crucial in security.
• 🚀 Derek transitioned into a leadership position within his organization, reflecting his growth.
• 🧠 He learned the importance of truly understanding others to forge a positive impact, a valuable leadership skill.
• 🌟 The experience in Nicaragua had a greater impact on Derek than he initially anticipated.
• 🛣️ Derek's story illustrates the power of understanding and empathy in leadership and community projects.

Q & A

Who is Derek Lam?

Derek Lam is a sophomore studying information security at Cal Poly Pomona.

What does Derek Lam consider being honest to mean?

For Derek Lam, being honest means to patiently listen.

What opportunity did Derek Lam have a few years ago?

Derek Lam had the opportunity to go to Nicaragua.

What was the purpose of Derek Lam's trip to Nicaragua?

The purpose of the trip was to plan a Community Action project for a local orphanage.

How did Derek Lam approach the project at the orphanage?

Derek Lam approached the project by patiently listening and understanding the needs of the orphanage.

What essential need did Derek Lam identify for the orphanage?

Derek Lam identified that the orphanage needed new benches for the children to eat, learn, and play.

How did Derek Lam's approach lead to a positive impact?

By developing a level of trust and understanding, Derek Lam was able to create a positive impact greater than himself.

What leadership position did Derek Lam transition to in his organization?

The script does not specify the exact leadership position Derek Lam transitioned to, but it mentions that he moved into a leadership role.

What is the importance of understanding others according to Derek Lam's experience?

According to Derek Lam's experience, understanding others is crucial for forging positive impact.

What did Derek Lam learn about the importance of patience and listening from his project?

Derek Lam learned that patience and listening are key to truly understanding the needs of others and making a meaningful difference.

How does Derek Lam's experience reflect his values in leadership?

Derek Lam's experience reflects his values of empathy, understanding, and creating positive change through trust and effective communication.