This artifact is a photo of me belaying at the University of Maryland’s Challenge Course, where I worked as a facilitator. In this role, I guided groups through team-building exercises on high ropes and ground-level obstacle elements. We worked with student organizations, corporate teams, and community groups to promote leadership, communication, and trust. I was trained in safety procedures, technical rigging, and group facilitation. Sessions often required me to adjust programming based on group dynamics and weather conditions, and I regularly debriefed participants to help them reflect on their experiences and apply them to their own settings.

This role reflects my respect for others, adaptability, and ability to foster inclusive environments. As a facilitator, I wasn’t just responsible for technical safety, I also played a key role in setting the emotional tone of the experience. I learned how to read group energy, support hesitant participants, and encourage collaboration. This artifact reveals my comfort in leadership roles outside the classroom and my passion for helping people learn and grow through hands-on experiences. It also strengthened my communication and public speaking skills, which I now bring to academic presentations and team meetings in computer science settings. Ultimately, it illustrates how I value empathy, safety, and shared growth.