Growing up in an underdeveloped country meant that I did not have early exposure to technology which encouraged me to engage with my imagination. This environment provided me with a safe and nurturing environment to explore and express my creativity freely. This is why I immensely enjoy the ideation stage in the design process, as I always aim to try new creativity methods and develop new skills. My inclination towards critical thinking is a defining trait of my approach as a designer, as I am unafraid of embracing change. In several projects, I have experienced instances where my team and I completely changed our design close to project deadlines. This was because we would no longer relate with what we were designing and iterating was not leading us anywhere. While not ideal, these situations demonstrated my ability to thrive under pressure. I remained committed to my beliefs, even when not making changes was the easier option. This shows my determination and resilience as a designer. I recognize that I am a good listener, so I love to receive feedback on my work, especially when it provokes deep thought. I believe this is key in the User and Society expertise area because knowing how to value and understand users’ opinions makes a huge difference in the design outcome. I naturally gravitate toward a leadership role in projects because I enjoy creating an environment where everyone feels included and motivated to contribute. I find it fulfilling to set a clear vision for the team and to plan and organise the steps needed to reach our shared goals. After becoming the chair of ID Connect, I have understood that leadership is not about control, but about guiding the group toward a common purpose while making sure each member feels empowered and involved.