Author: Gurleen Kaur

This year, the theme of our Life Class has been People Skills and Emotional Intelligence, and it has been a wonderful journey of learning, reflection, and personal growth.Bhumika Ma’am and Arshi Ma’am have guided us through a series of meaningful discussions and activities that have encouraged us to look beyond academic success and understand the importance of how we interact with ourselves and others.Throughout this journey, we explored fascinating concepts such as amygdala hijacking, the qualities of a good leader, psychological safety, reaction versus response, and the Johari Window. Each of these topics offered valuable insights into human behaviour, relationships, and leadership.My Learning and ReflectionOne of my biggest takeaways from these sessions has been understanding that emotional intelligence is not about ignoring emotions, but about recognising and managing them effectively. Learning about amygdala hijacking helped me understand why people sometimes react impulsively when they feel stressed, frustrated, or threatened. It made me reflect on my own responses and the importance of pausing before reacting.The discussion on reaction versus response was particularly meaningful to me. It reminded me that while I may not always be able to control what happens around me, I can choose how I respond. This is something I hope to practise more consciously in my personal and professional life, especially during moments of disagreement or pressure.The concept of psychological safety also made me reflect on the kind of environment I create for the people around me. I realised that making others feel safe is not just about being approachable; it is also about listening without judgement, respecting different perspectives, and allowing people to express themselves without fear of embarrassment.The Johari Window encouraged me to think more deeply about self-awareness and the importance of feedback. It reminded me that there may be aspects of my personality or behaviour that I do not always recognise, but that others may notice. Being open to feedback, therefore, is an important part of personal growth.The discussions on leadership and how leaders can act as mirrors also made me reflect on my own role as an educator. I realised that leadership is not only about giving instructions or guiding others; it is also about modelling the behaviour, values, and attitudes I hope to see in the people around me. The way I communicate, respond to challenges, and treat others can have a lasting influence.Overall, these sessions have encouraged me to become more mindful of my emotions, more empathetic towards others, and more intentional in the way I communicate. They have reminded me that people skills are not simply concepts to be discussed in a classroom, but skills that need to be practised every day.As I continue to grow both personally and professionally, I hope to carry these lessons with me and become a more self-aware, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent individual.A heartfelt thank you to Bhumika Ma’am and Arshi Ma’am for making our Life Class such a meaningful and enriching experience.