Myo Aung: My Experience with the Ali Leadership Institute
My name is Myo Thinzar Htin Aung, and I am a junior pre-medicine Biology major at Rutgers University-Camden. This past summer, I had the privilege of joining the Ali Leadership Institute as one of ten participants in the inaugural South Jersey cohort. I am an immigrant from Myanmar, a developing country in Southeast Asia, where young adults are currently at the forefront of the fight for democracy and freedom. Many students and young leaders have had to step into political roles due to the ongoing crisis with the Myanmar Military Junta. Growing up under these challenging conditions, my life’s goal has always beengiving back to my community. The Ali Leadership Institute strongly resonated with me as it provided an opportunity to further develop my leadership skills and values.
The Ali Leadership Institute, founded by Mussab Ali and Abeera Saeed, is designed for young adults aged 16-22 to learn about local government and civic engagement. One of the key reasons I joined the program was to overcome my fear of public speaking, and I’m grateful for how much I’ve grown in that area. The program also taught me the importance of leadership and civic responsibility, skills that I can apply not only in my career but also in my efforts to give back to the community.
During the program, we were tasked with completing a Civic Engagement Capstone project. My group and I focused on mental health advocacy for young adults, particularly high school students. Our goal was to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to inform students about the services available within their local communities. This project is especially meaningful to me, as young people often face immense challenges without knowing where to turn for help. Our mental health advocacy project was also recognized during the capstone competition, where we were awarded the Highest Grant for Civic Engagement.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Ali Leadership Institute was the chance to meet inspiring individuals like Senator Troy Singleton, Congressman Andy Kim, and other respected politicians and individuals. Their dedication to public service and community work reaffirmed my belief that our generation can truly make a difference. As a young adult from Myanmar, it was especially impactful for me to see how government functions and how we can contribute to the well-being of society through civic engagement.
The Ali Leadership Institute strives to combat this by selecting a group of passionate, committed youth who show an interest in impacting their communities. The program provided me with valuable resources and mentorship to help develop my skills in public speaking, teamwork, and leadership. These skills will be instrumental as I continue to pursue my goals and give back to the community.
For any students considering this program, I highly recommend it. The Ali Leadership Institute has not only helped me grow as a leader but also strengthened my resolve to enact meaningful change in my community. As an immigrant, every new learning opportunity is invaluable, and programs like this remind me that our generation holds the power to shape the future.
The transformative journey I embarked on through the Ali Leadership Institute began with an announcement from the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising (OSDFA). As a student from Myanmar aspiring to become a physician, I have always felt a strong calling to give back to my community. When I saw the opportunity to participate in the Ali Leadership Institute, I knew it was a chance to enhance my civic engagement efforts and connect more deeply with those around me.
The application process was straightforward yet reflective. I filled out a form that included personal questions about my goals and values, as well as a thought-provoking prompt about three things I wanted to change in my local community. After submitting my application, I was invited for an interview with Leader Quinton Law, who engaged me in a conversation about my passion for activism and my commitment to community service. This interaction reinforced my belief that civic engagement is crucial, especially for someone like me who aims to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
When I learned that I had been selected as one of just ten participants, I was both thrilled and humbled. It was a validating moment that reminded me that opportunities like this are for everyone—even those who may initially feel out of place. I once believed that such programs weren’t meant for people like me, but I learned that stepping outside my comfort zone is essential for personal growth. This experience would not only provide hands-on learning but also allow me to showcase my skills through a capstone project aimed at directly impacting the community.
Throughout the program, I gained invaluable insights into civic engagement and leadership. The Ali Leadership Institute fostered an environment of personal and professional growth through interactive sessions, team-building activities, and the development of individual plans. It connected me with industry leaders, mentors, and experts who shared their knowledge and experiences, helping me build a strong foundation for my future career as a physician.
The culmination of my experience was the capstone project, which allowed me to put theory into practice and demonstrate how young leaders can effect real change. This hands-on approach fulfilled my overall goal of civic engagement by empowering me to identify and address issues within my community. As someone who aspires to serve in the medical field, I found the program particularly enlightening. It underscored the importance of understanding community dynamics and the diverse needs of the people I hope to serve.
I wholeheartedly recommend participating in opportunities like the Ali Leadership Institute. Programs shared by OSDFA are designed for individuals eager to learn, grow, and make a difference, regardless of their background or prior knowledge of civic engagement. This experience not only boosted my self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and confidence but also equipped me with the skills necessary to be an effective leader in healthcare and beyond.
If you’re hesitant about applying or feel that these opportunities aren’t meant for you, I encourage you to take that leap of faith. Embracing discomfort is a vital step toward personal and professional development. As someone who understands the challenges faced by immigrant communities, I can assure you that your unique perspective is invaluable. The Ali Leadership Institute opened my eyes to the impact young people can have, and I am incredibly grateful to OSDFA for sharing this transformative experience with all the students from Saturday Scholars Program (2023- 2024) . Stepping out of your comfort zone may just lead you to the most fulfilling journey of your life, and it could ultimately empower you to give back to your community in profound ways.