BEL Learning Assistant – BEL Department (Remote)

As a BEL Learning Assistant, I was tasked with improving student engagement and performance across ALU’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program. At first glance, it might seem like simple student support work. But for me, it was a crash course in systems thinking, communication, and care.

My approach was practical. I built a structured process using Google Forms, spreadsheets, and email. Faculty would report students facing engagement challenges, those missing classes, skipping assignments, or showing signs of academic distress. Once I had the data, I initiated direct follow-ups. I’d reach out through school emails, and if there was no response within 24 hours, I would dig into our student database, get personal contacts, and escalate communication to WhatsApp. This multi-channel strategy helped ensure no one slipped through the cracks.

But it wasn’t just about chasing emails. I created space for honest conversations. I scheduled office hours to understand what was going on beneath the surface, whether it was mental health, internet issues, or personal challenges. Over the semester, I analyzed and managed data for over 200 students and worked on 437 unique engagement cases. By the end, 426 of them had been resolved.

Supporting students while also liaising with faculty gave me a real appreciation for the invisible work it takes to keep an academic institution running. I realized that learning support isn’t just about reminders and spreadsheets—it’s about designing humane systems that meet students where they are, then walking with them from that point forward.

Hub Ambassador – Global Learning Experiences (Accra Ghana)

After that chapter, I stepped into a new challenge: helping ALU rethink what international learning could look like through its Signature Immersive Experience in Ghana.

I was selected as one of the Hub Ambassadors for the first rollout of this new experiential learning model. It was an evolution of our previous global hubs, but this time, shorter, more focused, and built around real-world externships. My job began well before the flight to Accra. I supported our 25 students with pre-departure logistics—helping them prepare for travel, secure documentation, and set expectations for their time abroad.

Once in Ghana, my role deepened. I lived with the students in the same hostel, serving as an in-residence support lead. This meant handling everything from roommate conflicts to missed internship check-ins. I became the go-to liaison between the students, the hostel managers, and the university team back in Kigali.

But perhaps the part I’m proudest of is partnership-building. I initiated communication and helped secure externship placements with 8 organizations across Accra, organizations that opened their doors to our students for hands-on, purpose-driven work experiences. I also managed the GLE social media platforms to highlight student experiences, industry visits, and cultural moments throughout the program. I curated trips, hosted activities, and ensured that the student experience was more than just structured—it was memorable.

What I Learned.

Together, these two roles taught me more than any textbook could. I learned how to be resourceful under pressure. How to communicate clearly across different teams. How to think in systems but act with empathy. I learned that good leadership sometimes means showing up quietly, consistently, and intentionally behind the scenes.

Above all, I learned that impact is rarely loud. It’s built in the small, everyday choices, like following up on a student email, or checking in on someone who seems off, or making sure an intern is matched with a host organization that truly aligns with their purpose.

At ALU, I didn’t just work. I contributed to something that mattered. And I walked away with stories, skills, and systems I’ll carry forward.