Author: szd2747

Photo by Nicole Litwiller Two constant themes during my undergrad and graduate experiences at EMU were 1.) uncertainty around my career goals and 2.) working to embrace that uncertainty. I graduated undergrad with a Global Development major and continued my education at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, which I finished in 2020. Upon graduating, … Continue reading From Herm to Ranger Rick by Nicole Litwiller

By Addison Tucker As the graduate assistant for the Zehr Institute, one of my tasks is to use research to assist in local movements that relate to restorative justice. Admittedly I am not someone who, prior to this experience, would have claimed research as a passion or even an interest for a career. This worried … Continue reading Activism By Way Of Research by Addison Tucker

photo by Jacob Horsley While on the Southeast Asia cross-cultural, we have been exposed to a new location, language, and culture. These spectacular experiences come as no surprise considering the history of the EMU program. But as we spent our first two weeks on the gorgeous paradise island of Phuket, Thailand, a popular tourist destination, … Continue reading Micro Plastics: A Growing Concern for Future Health by Jacob Horsley

In her final year, Summer Williams, a PXD student created a toolkit for people working and beginning to work in peacebuilding. She developed this during her practicum with New Bridges Immigrant Resource Center. The PXD practicum is an opportunity for students to gain professional experience while also developing as reflective practitioners, applying the knowledge and … Continue reading Peacebuilder’s Toolkit: A Guide to Doing the Work by Summer Williams

“The Red Nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world, a world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations, a world longing for light again.” Crazy Horse, Oglala Lakota Nation Featured at the very beginning of the film “Gather”, this quote beautifully sets the stage for the moving stories … Continue reading Reflection on the Film “Gather” by Olivia Hazelton

Photo by Eastern Mennonite University Ahh, finally the weekend again. Another chance to explore the city of Amman and, as per usual, leading the night out on the town is a few of my Iraqi colleagues. I make my way into the back of another taxi, crammed in the middle seat. After getting situated, I … Continue reading 100 Sadams – A Reflection on Freedom and Change by Noah Haglund

Women hang their traditional skirts, Htamein, over the streets to stop the military forces in their tracks. This creative strategy stopped soldiers in Myanmar as a well-known superstition that a man may lose their power and influence when they walk under women's Htamein. Photo by: STR / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES This week’s blog contributor … Continue reading #WhatisHappeninginMyanmar

Photo: City Of Churches by Paul Klee College campuses create a unique hub, students, professors and faculty coming together from many different locations and backgrounds, each playing their role to help foster an environment which might be conducive to personal and communal growth. Yet, for this to happen at its best, each individual must be … Continue reading Small Talk for Big Change by James Dunmore

Photo by: Rachel Holderman/EMU I’ve been playing around with this poem for months. Studying in the field of peacebuilding has been the most significant step into a beautifully messy deconstruction of my life, beliefs, and emotions. The anger and frustration of this poem, I hope, will one day turn into joy and rest. Let Me … Continue reading Let Me Rest by Mariana Martinez-Hernandez

The EMU Black Student Alliance (BSA) reveals their Black Lives Matter mural, painted on the parking lot in front of the University Commons. Photo by: Rachel Holderman/EMU I woke up a couple of weeks ago disturbed by people idolizing compromise in a way that balances perspectives of liberation with anti-liberation. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther … Continue reading Both Siding by Naomi Davis