Tufts Blogs

As the fall semester winds down, I am reflecting on my New Year’s Resolutions. One of my resolutions was to read for fun more! That is easier said than done, especially when the semester is in full swing and I’m trying to complete one assignment after the other. However, looking back, I feel that I have done a decent job. So, I wanted to share what I’m reading this month for fun and how the Tisch College Guest Speaker series has inspired me to do so. 

Currently, I am reading the book Lead from the Outside by Stacey Abrams. The book talks about leadership through the lens of an outsider’ and Abrams’s grit and experiences that helped her get to where she is. In addition to the book being inspiring, it also gives tangible exercises to help develop your leadership skills/potential. I have a couple more chapters to finish, but I have been enjoying this book! 

I was inspired to read this book because of the guest speaker series event that Tisch College hosts where they invite distinguished figures from politics, non-profits, etc to speak to the Tufts community. Stacey Abrams was one of the guest speakers last year. Her talk motivated me to read her book. I appreciate how Tisch College hosts a wide range of people to foster civic engagement and highlight civic opportunities.  

This semester, I am taking a Civics course called “Leadership in Civics Context” and it has been eye-opening to ‘study’ leadership because I had the misconception that it was just a natural talent that some had. The class has shown me how leadership has been studied for decades and the skills to become a better leader. Being a leader does not necessarily have to mean the president or the CEO. You can apply the skills to be an effective leader in a club or your job. I hope to continue strengthening my skills as a leader and read even more leisure books next year!