This July, I had the incredible honour of representing St. Mary’s College and Canada as a Team Leader at the Operation Smile International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC). Every year, the conference is held in a different location, and this year it was at the University of Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C. It still feels surreal to write that I was selected to be a Team Leader. To be trusted with this role, surrounded by hundreds of passionate, driven students from around the world, was more than just an opportunity — it was my turning point.
My ISLC journey started last summer in Atlanta, Georgia. It was my first time stepping into a space filled with so many like-minded people who shared the same values that I live by: helping others, creating meaningful change, and doing something that leaves a mark. I met students who had hosted major fundraisers, travelled on surgical programs, and shared deep, personal stories that stayed with me long after the week had ended. Attending that conference taught me that leadership is not always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes, it is about listening closely, working quietly behind the scenes, and using your strengths to lift others up. I left Atlanta feeling inspired, humbled, and determined to do more.
This year, going into my second ISLC, I was not the same person I was twelve months ago. With more experience, more confidence, and a clearer idea of the kind of leader I wanted to be, I was ready for this next adventure. From last summer to this year, I have grown through a few different roles. I started off as a camp counselor, and I was able to use certain empathy techniques in order to help a kid who was feeling homesick. After the summer ended, I was able to run effective and successful fundraisers using the skills and ideas that I had learned from ISLC. As I arrived at the airport this summer, I was eager to board the plane to D.C., ready to learn and connect all over again.
Being a Team Leader this year brought an entire new layer to the ISLC experience. Not only was I participating in the different keynotes and activities, but I was also helping guide and support other students. One of my favourite aspects was creating a tight bond with a group of the other Team Leaders. We shared different ideas for fundraisers, swapped stories about our schools and communities, and encouraged each other to think bigger about how we could make an impact, not only in our community, but in the world. I also learned about all of the opportunities that are available for post-grad college students in order to stay involved with Operation Smile. For example, there are many internship roles that play a key part in the success of the conference, and the interns this year were amazing. They shared advice on how I can start a new club at Sault College, raise awareness on campus, and keep fundraising for this cause that I care so deeply about. Having the ability to hear from people who are just a little bit further along in their journey made my future more exciting and achievable.
The experiences I had in Washington, D.C. were packed with moments that will stick with me forever. We had speakers every day — some who had cleft conditions themselves, others who have achieved such incredible feats, and some who have worked in the medical field for years. Hearing their stories not only deepened my understanding of the medical side of cleft care (I learned there are far more types of cleft conditions than I had ever realized, as well as how there are so many different ways to treat cleft conditions), but also it showed me the human side — the resilience, the gratitude, and the transformation surgery can bring, not only to the appearance side, but also the mental health side.
A special characteristic that occurs often throughout this conference is the connection that we create within our groups. You could feel the energy of everyone working toward the same mission: to help others. It reminded me that real change does not happen alone; it happens when we combine our ideas, resources, and voices. When everyone works together, the impact is real.
Standing there, hearing my name [as they announced the recipient of The Smile Award], I realized — I did it. Or did I? Yes, I had achieved one of my goals, and I was acknowledged for all of my hard work and dedication to this program; however, doing this sort of work is not about being recognized. It is about doing something because it is right. Do not get me wrong, I am beyond proud and enthused that I received this award, but my work is just getting started.
I want to thank the entire Operation Smile staff for making this opportunity possible and so memorable. Their dedication to creating these experiences for students like me not only changes how we see the world, but how we see ourselves.
ISLC is not something I see as a one-time experience. This year confirmed for me that I want to stay involved with Operation Smile long after high school — through university teams, volunteering, and any opportunity I can take to help anyone and everyone. These conferences have shaped my perspective on leadership and service in a way no classroom could.
If last year was about showing me all of the doors that could be opened, then this year was about entering them. And there are still closed doors.
About the author: Danielle is a student ambassador who raises awareness and funds for Operation Smile through St. Mary’s College. She is the recipient of The Smile Award at the 2025 International Student Leadership Conference.
