When I began my graduate studies at Rice University, I expected challenging coursework, transformative ideas, and a very supportive academic community. Rice is known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus culture, so I arrived prepared for the intellectual rigor and the opportunities to grow as a scholar. What I did not expect was discovering a resource that would fundamentally change the way I understand myself as a leader. That resource was the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Many students talk about how Rice invests in their academic and professional development. What I quickly learned is that Rice also invests deeply in something that often goes overlooked but ultimately shapes every career and personal journey: leadership. The Doerr Institute recognizes that leaders are not simply born but are developed. Leaders are grown through practice, reflection, coaching, and a willingness to understand oneself more honestly. This philosophy resonated with me in a way I did not anticipate.
Despite everything I have been able to do at Rice, I often think back to how I felt when I first arrived. I honestly did not know whether I had the capacity to lead in this unfamiliar environment. English is not my first language, this is not my home country, and everything about Rice felt new and unfamiliar. I worried about whether people would understand me, whether I could express my ideas clearly, and whether I would ever have the confidence to step forward instead of staying in the background. What surprised me was how, over time, the Doerr Institute helped me recognize that leadership is not about being flawless. It is about showing up with authenticity and allowing your strengths to grow.
As my confidence developed, I found myself taking every opportunity to lead, whether in the classroom, in group projects, or in extracurricular activities. I discovered that I love organizing things and bringing structure to ideas. There is something incredibly fulfilling about seeing the fruits of my efforts come to life. Every successful event, every presentation that resonates with others, and every moment when I help guide someone or support their growth brings me fulfillment.
Today, as a Graduate Student Ambassador, I help guide more students toward the same opportunities that strengthened my own leadership journey.
I know that graduate school can be an overwhelming environment. Expectations are higher, responsibilities multiply, and students often juggle research, coursework, leadership roles, and professional development all at once. It is easy to feel pressured to already have everything figured out. This is why the Doerr Institute is such a powerful resource for graduate students. It provides a structured space to pause, reflect, and grow with intention. The coaching, assessments, and programs allow graduate students to understand their leadership style, build confidence, and develop the interpersonal and organizational skills they will need in academic, professional, and community settings. For many of us, it becomes a grounding force during a demanding period of life, helping us not only manage our workload but also step into roles that require clarity, influence, and purpose.
Why Leadership Matters Everywhere
Leadership is not something reserved for CEOs, politicians, or managers. It is a skill that every person will need at multiple points in life. At school, leadership helps us collaborate effectively, navigate challenges, and take initiative in group settings. Beyond campus, leadership becomes even more essential.
In families, leadership appears when we support loved ones, make important decisions, or set an example through our actions. In friendships, leadership shapes how we mediate conflict, encourage accountability, or guide someone toward a better path. In careers, leadership becomes unavoidable. There will be times when we must coordinate a team, present a project, manage deadlines, or speak up when something is not working.
In communities, leadership guides how we advocate for causes, volunteer our time, and speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. These small yet meaningful choices build a culture grounded in care and responsibility.
One of the most important lessons I learned, both from the Doerr Institute and from my own experiences, is this: do not adapt to the energy in the room. Influence the energy in the room. Leadership is often about choosing to act rather than waiting for instructions. It is about taking initiative when others hesitate and choosing to move when the group feels stuck. Every time I took the first step, whether in a classroom discussion, a group project, or an extracurricular
event, new opportunities appeared. Taking initiative will take you places. It signals confidence, clarity, and courage, even in small ways. This mindset changed the way I show up as a leader and allowed me to contribute more meaningfully to the spaces I belong to. I can confidently say that the things I have learned at the Doerr Institute will stay with me permanently. They have shaped how I understand leadership, how I respond to challenges, and how I choose to influence the people and environments around me.
This is why leadership development is essential. It prepares us not only for formal roles but for the realities of life. Whether planned or unexpected, moments will come when others look to us for direction or reassurance. Understanding how to lead with empathy, clarity, and confidence is a gift that extends far beyond academics. The Doerr Institute’s programs are invaluable for this reason, especially because they are completely free for all Rice students. Very few institutions offer leadership development of this quality and accessibility.
Activation: The Program That Changed How I Understand Myself
My journey with Doerr began with Activation, the Institute’s one-on-one professional leadership coaching program. I initially imagined it would resemble academic advising or career counseling, but instead, I experienced something far more personal and transformational. Activation combined research-based tools, reflective exercises, and individualized guidance that pushed me to understand myself on a deeper level.
One of the first steps was completing the EQ-i Emotional Intelligence Assessment, a tool widely used in leadership development across industries. The report I received was incredibly detailed. It painted a clear picture of how I naturally lead, how I handle emotion, and where I still have room to grow. Seeing this information laid out so thoughtfully felt like looking into a mirror that finally reflected the full scope of my strengths and blind spots.
My highest scores were in Social Responsibility, Self Actualization, and Interpersonal Relationships. This aligned perfectly with how I have always approached teamwork and community. I have a genuine desire to support people, to help them grow, and to contribute positively to any environment I am part of. At the same time, the assessment highlighted areas that required some improvements. Independence, Self Regard, and Emotional Expression were my lowest scores. I realized that I sometimes hesitate to make decisions alone, underestimate my own capabilities, or hold back from expressing myself fully. These tendencies were familiar to me, but seeing them clearly articulated in the report helped me understand how they affected my leadership.
My coach guided me through each part of the report and helped me connect the results to real moments in my life. I remember explaining a time when I coordinated a volunteer team, but ended up taking on too much because I wanted everyone else to feel supported. My coach pointed to my strong Social Responsibility score and then gently asked why I found it difficult to delegate. That conversation shifted how I understood leadership. I began to see that being a leader does not mean doing everything. It means empowering others to participate and succeed.
My coach also offered practical strategies tailored to my personality and goals. She encouraged me to practice making small decisions independently, to speak one additional sentence when sharing my perspective, and to celebrate my achievements more intentionally. These simple habits started reshaping the way I lead each day.
Programs like Activation would cost a significant amount outside the university setting. The fact that Rice students receive access to professional-level coaching at no cost reflects the university’s commitment to authentic leader development.
Becoming a Doerr Student Ambassador
After completing Activation, I felt inspired to help more students experience the same kind of growth. This led me to join the Doerr Institute as a Graduate Student Ambassador. In this role, I introduce students to programs that strengthen leadership capacity in actionable and meaningful ways.
I often meet students who doubt their ability to lead or who feel intimidated by the idea of taking responsibility for others. I share my own journey, including the challenges I faced as an international student navigating a new culture and language. I explain how leadership is not something you either have or do not have. It is something you cultivate. Students are often surprised when they learn that Doerr programs are completely free, professionally facilitated, and grounded in research.
Through my involvement, I have seen students develop self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills. Catalyst Workshops encourage them to explore leadership competencies such as influence, conflict resolution, and accountability. Synthesis Group Coaching allows them to learn from shared experiences. Year-long Leadership Cohorts push students to grow consistently over time. Excursions expose them to real leadership environments around Houston, giving them a chance to apply what they learn in practical settings.
The most rewarding part is witnessing someone step into their potential. I have seen quiet students become powerful speakers, hesitant students become decisive contributors, and uncertain students discover a confidence they did not know they had. Every time I see someone grow because of Doerr, it reminds me why I love leadership.
A Resource Every Rice Student Should Experience
The Doerr Institute is more than a campus office. It is a place where students learn to understand themselves, where they discover their authentic voice, and where they gain the courage to use it. Whether someone leads a research project, an organization, a cultural community, or simply wants to show up with more intention in their relationships, Doerr offers tools that remain relevant long after graduation.
My EQ i assessment taught me that leadership is not about perfection. Leadership is about awareness, development, and intentional action. Through coaching, I learned to embrace both my strengths and my challenges. More importantly, I learned that leadership is a lifelong journey shaped by patience, humility, and consistent growth.
Rice gives us the tools to succeed academically. The Doerr Institute provides us the tools to succeed as leaders in our families, in our careers, and in the communities we hope to uplift.
And that, in my opinion, is one of the greatest gifts Rice offers.
If you would like to learn more about the Doerr Institute, its programs, or upcoming opportunities, feel free to reach out to the following team members:
Kelley Prust
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Email: Kelley.Prust@rice.edu
Gary Garrett
Program Manager, Student Programs
Email: gg37@rice.edu
They will be happy to assist you and help you get connected with the right program or resource.