Congratulations to Laura Lee Williams, January ICE Trainer of the Month!

How long have you worked for The Leadership Program?
This is my second year as a TLP trainer.
One thing you may not know about me…
I like to drink ice water with a lemon and a straw. I use the straw to crush up the lemon into the bottom of my glass.
What has been one of your most rewarding moments as a Leadership Trainer?
One of my most rewarding moments as a Leadership Trainer was when one of my classes in my ICE unit at IS 71 threw me a party and presented me with thank you cards on my final visit. As this class consisted of ESL students, throughout the residency their teacher would translate what I said to the students in Spanish, and then translate their responses back to me in English. It was very validating to know the program still had such a powerful impact on the students, despite our language barrier!
What inspires you?
People and stories inspire me. I could listen to people tell me their stories for hours. I think there is something special to be found in every experience a person shares.
How do you rejuvenate yourself?
I rejuvenate myself in two ways: Spending time alone and spending time with the people I feel close to.
Who is a leader you look up to and why?
Both of my parents are leaders that I look up to, as they have always been an important part of my growth and development. The most important lesson they taught me is that no matter how many accomplishments you make, you are only as great as the way in which you treat others.
What is one place you would love to travel?
Once place I would love to travel would be to Korea. My mother is Korean, and I have never had the opportunity to visit where she spent the first 30 years of her life!
What is one of your personal or professional goals this year?
One of my goals for this year would be to find time to perform more often. Teaching is my priority, but I do miss being on stage myself!
What do you hope your students will take from their experience in your ICE unit(s) this year?
I hope my students take away the idea of the importance of a positive attitude and a belief in themselves and their own talents and abilities. I would also like my students to recognize the power they hold in their own choices and actions, and use this power for the betterment of themselves and others.
What is your favorite quote?
I have several favorite quotes and cannot help but list a few of them:
“Keep Moving Forward!!!”- Meet The Robinsons.
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship.”-Louisa May Alcott.
“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” – Oscar Wilde.
“In the long run we shape our lives and ourselves. This process never ends until we die, and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” -Eleanor Roosevelt.
THE BUZZ ABOUT LAURA LEE WILLIAMS
“She has taken on a unit at a school with a very difficult administrator and a constantly flexing schedule, and done so with professionalism and aplomb, helping to keep the unit running smoothly and the school happy.”
“She responds to all inquiries about work with enthusiasm and in record time, even when she is not able to accept a potential assignment.”
“She is very thorough and her thoroughness reminds us that we can all step up our game.”
“Consistently organized and professional whilst sunny and warm. A brilliant presence in every encounter.”
“Her communication is stellar and appreciated by all.”