Crossing Borders and Barriers: My Journey as an International Peer Leader

This essay explores my journey from a first-year student struggling with language barriers and becoming a Peer Leader in the Chemistry Department at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Drawing from my experience within the Peer-Led Team Learning Program, I reflect on overcoming my limited English proficiency and embracing the opportunity to lead workshops. By implementing creative strategies, presented here as 20 Ideas for Greater Student Engagement, I transformed my workshops into collaborative learning spaces, fostering the true values of Peer-Led Team Learning, student engagement, and promoting academic success. I advocate for the expansion of PLTL by emphasizing its potential to benefit other academic disciplines beyond Chemistry, particularly in Engineering. Through this essay, I aim to inspire both students and educators to recognize the value of Peer-Led Team Learning and to appreciate its ability to create inclusive, and supportive environments that encourage student participation and academic achievement.