Since January, the 2015 ATVC Intern has been posting personal case studies. This past summer, blog posts updated readers about the careers of past interns. From time to time, postings are from short articles written by past interns for college studies. Here is one such testimony.
We each observe the world around us according to our own personal experiences. I was brought up in a very loving home, encouraged to think critically and be open- minded. I have fond memories of volunteering at an early age with my parents with non-profit organizations and attending protests and signing petitions. I had little clue of the depth of my actions at the time, but looking back, I think the grassroots activity in which I was participating is at the core of conflict resolution.
Once I hit my teens, I started educating myself on world events, and I formed my own opinions about America's policies. I got involved with the American Friends Service Committee and learned that problems can be solved while still considering "the inherent worth and dignity of every human being." Through this Quaker-based social action organization I learned so much about standing up for what is right, even if you stand alone. I was fortunate to receive two internships through AFSC; my last experience with the John Looney Internship to train young leaders in Peace, Justice and Nonviolence cemented my passion for non-violent conflict resolution.
It was also through this internship experience that I discovered that Kent State University offered study toward an undergraduate degree in Applied Conflict Management. I began the program after a four year hiatus from attending school. It has been a slow process as I work full time and have been able to take only a few classes a year, but I'm chipping away at a most worthwhile goal.
Submitted by Serena-Claire Hanna
2009 John Looney Intern
We each observe the world around us according to our own personal experiences. I was brought up in a very loving home, encouraged to think critically and be open- minded. I have fond memories of volunteering at an early age with my parents with non-profit organizations and attending protests and signing petitions. I had little clue of the depth of my actions at the time, but looking back, I think the grassroots activity in which I was participating is at the core of conflict resolution.
Once I hit my teens, I started educating myself on world events, and I formed my own opinions about America's policies. I got involved with the American Friends Service Committee and learned that problems can be solved while still considering "the inherent worth and dignity of every human being." Through this Quaker-based social action organization I learned so much about standing up for what is right, even if you stand alone. I was fortunate to receive two internships through AFSC; my last experience with the John Looney Internship to train young leaders in Peace, Justice and Nonviolence cemented my passion for non-violent conflict resolution.
It was also through this internship experience that I discovered that Kent State University offered study toward an undergraduate degree in Applied Conflict Management. I began the program after a four year hiatus from attending school. It has been a slow process as I work full time and have been able to take only a few classes a year, but I'm chipping away at a most worthwhile goal.
Submitted by Serena-Claire Hanna
2009 John Looney Intern
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