By Dr. Charlene Berquist, Director, and Heather Blades, Associate Director
Alexia graduated in Spring 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Communication and the Undergraduate Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution.
Why did you decide to take the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution?
I decided to pursue the certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution because I was initially interested in studying abroad in Ireland and it was through the Center for Dispute Resolution. (I didn’t end up getting to go, but I have friends that did and they said it was incredible!) As I learned more about the program I realized how beneficial it would be for my life and I knew it was something I needed to do. I feel like the certificate gives me a set of advantageous skills in the workplace and makes me stand out as an applicant. But most importantly, I knew it would help me solve conflict in all of the relationships in my life with people I care about.
For your internship experience in the certificate you took part in the CDR’s Victim Impact Panel program for youth. What was this experience like for you?
My experience with the Victim Impact Panel was so rewarding. I loved getting to help teach youth about how crime impacts the community. Hearing the kids’ comments and takeaways and listening to their willingness to change themselves showed me just how beneficial restorative justice and conflict resolution programs can be. I hope I can continue to be involved with a similar program in the future.
How do you plan to use what you have learned in the certificate program in the future?
I plan to use what I learned in the certificate program in the future through my work as an attorney. I will be working on obtaining my Juris Doctorate over the next three years at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. The legal field revolves around conflicts, but I know when I am presented with conflict between my future clients I will be ready to use my CDR skills to remedy it.
What is the most useful/valuable/interesting thing you’ve learned in the conflict certificate program?
The most interesting thing I learned in the conflict certificate program was about the different conflict resolution styles, specifically with the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument of discovering these styles. I loved getting to learn about how I typically handle conflict and the benefits and drawbacks of it. I also must admit made most of my family and close friends take it.
What would you say to someone who is considering taking the Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution?
If someone was considering taking the certificate in Conflict and Dispute resolution I would tell them to absolutely go for it and that they won’t regret it! The skills you learn in the program will be applicable in every area of your life, both personally and professionally. Conflict is a natural part of life so why not learn the ins and outs of it and how to better solve it when it arises!