What’s Chem Got To Do With It? A Head Peer Leader’s Perspective

Abstract

Through the challenges of being part of a Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) program, I was able to grow from an apprehensive general chemistry student to a self-assured Head Peer Leader over the course of three and a half years. The leadership opportunities and sense of community provided by a PLTL program are invaluable to an undergraduate student. Although my entry into college exacerbated my sense of “imposter syndrome,” the experiences during my time as a Peer Leader mitigated these feelings of self-doubt. A large measure of self-confidence and improvement in leadership skills were developed over the time in the PLTL program at the University of Texas at El Paso. These self-confidence and leadership skills continue to be exhibited as I traverse my graduate school courses.