In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.
This edition of "Peace Talks" features Tan Jo Shin from NUS High School of Mathematics and Science:
Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?
All in all, I had a really good time at the Peacemakers Conference 2018 because of the extremely helpful team of people from Peacemakers! They really helped to make my Peacemakers experience a lot more fun and engaging, and I have definitely learnt a lot more behind the process of formal peacemaking.
Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?
For me, being able to undergo the process of mediation itself was a very fresh experience, which not only helped me gain further insight on how to understand better from different perspectives in an argument. I have also learnt to step out of my personal comfort zone and interact with more people!
Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?
The skill of learning to think from multiple perspectives is an extremely useful expertise that can help in many aspects of real life. In daily encounters, you will easily be able to help people who are in conflict and help out in relationships. Also, when doing projects or research, you will be able to think from multiple perspectives and find the best possible solution or method to solve the problem. Most importantly, conflict-resolution is the best skill to take away from the Conference. However good some relationships may be, it is important to note that being able to guide those in conflict to see a resolution is like helping them see the light at the end of a tunnel, but without the mediator would be for them to wander around aimlessly in the dark. As such, being able to resolve conflicts is the most important real-life application to take away from the Conference!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?
Be yourself and make as many friends as possible! Do not be afraid to ask questions when you have doubts, and support other students too!
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For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.
As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.
