Looking Back on the Journey of Peacebuilding

As the Fall 2024 semester comes to a close for students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, we had the chance to talk to five inspiring students from the Intercultural Peacebuilding program who are preparing to graduate and take the next steps in their Peacebuilding journey. Each of these graduates has spent years studying transformative conflict styles, learning the art of mediation, facilitating unity, and building bridges across cultures. We discussed with them their favorite classes, their experiences within the program, and the unique lessons they’ve learned while studying at BYU-H. From hands-on projects to internships, they shared how their time in the Intercultural Peacebuilding program has shaped their plans for their future.

Heather Walker: The principles I have learned in the Intercultural Peacebuilding program have impacted every aspect of my life, especially my relationships and my ability to be a disciple of Christ, because I am so much better at treating people with the dignity they deserve rather than my own fears or desires. My favorite class was IPB 380: Culture and Conflict Transformation. It was probably the hardest Peacebuilding class I took, but it really solidified my understanding of why we need peacebuilding and how to do it when the hurt is so raw and intense. When I finish at BYU-H I am going to continue my education and get my PhD in Sociology with an emphasis in social inequalities. I want to help create sustainable policy work that protects against religious discrimination.

Hailey Neff: Attending BYU-Hawaii the past four years has provided me with a unique and beautiful experience. I have studied as a Visual Arts Major with an emphasis in painting and illustration while minoring in Intercultural Peacebuilding and Psychology. Though post graduation I mainly plan on pursuing a career in the art world, I know that I will always use the skills I have learned in peacebuilding and apply them frequently to my professional and personal relationships. Concepts we have learned such as turning first, seeing people as people, and applying moral imagination have improved and will no doubt improve my relationships and interactions with those I care about.

Annie Jones: I have loved my experience as a peacebuilding major at BYU Hawaii. I’ve made incredible friendships with classmates and have been blessed to learn from inspiring professors who care deeply about their students. It’s hard for me to choose a favorite class because I’ve had so many great experiences. I loved the Restorative Justice class because it was inspiring to me, challenged my thinking, and helped me grow as a mediator and peacebuilder. I also had a lot of fun in the facilitation class and learned a lot of valuable skills in teaching and leading workshops. I’m so grateful for my experience in this major and hope to go on to further my education in the field of Peace Studies.

Cantalise Ferreira: Over the course of time that I have been enrolled at BYU-Hawaii and been in the Intercultural Peace Building Department, I have felt such a great sense of belonging. This program has given me so much knowledge.And has provided me with friendships that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for the lessons that I've learned that I will take into my family, career and as I pursue higher education. My favorite class was Restorative Justice. This class introduced me to new ways to think about crime and punishment and moving away from the system that we currently have to a system that focuses on people and their needs. After graduation I am interested in looking into a Masters program focused on International relations.

Talia Nilsson: I’ve loved my time in the peacebuilding program. Looking back over everything I have learned, the biggest thing that stands out is a sense of belonging with this program. The peacebuilding program isn’t just a degree, it becomes a part of you. The principles of respect, love, courage, and authenticity taught here stay with you and drive you to become a lifelong champion for peace. I have had the opportunity to do a lot of work with Interfaith space during my time in Hawaii and have been in awe of the power that interfaith dialogue has to connect and create shared narrative and bridges of meaning between people. My favorite class was IPB 211: Peacebuilding in the Restoration.

This course looked at some of the religious texts of the Church of Jesus Christ and what they taught about peace. I loved the depth of thought in this class and how it challenged me to look at religious principles from a different perspective. After I graduate from BYU-Hawaii, I will continue my education by pursuing a masters in Religion and Conflict which will look at how religion  can be used as a lens to understand conflict and how religion can be used as a peacebuilding tool. I am so excited for my future in peacebuilding and am thankful for all the friends and mentors who have helped me along the way!

As these students prepare to graduate and move into the next chapter of their lives, from families to careers to higher education, their stories highlight the transformative power of the Intercultural Peacebuilding program at BYU-Hawaii. Through a variety of classes, workshop experiences, and meaningful relationships, they have gained the skills and knowledge needed to effectively understand cultural differences and conflicts. They now carry forward creating a legacy of compassion, collaboration, and lasting peace. Their journeys remind us that the goal of peacebuilding should not be confined to a classroom, but should extend into every aspect of life, shaping a more connected future.