JPCS Alumni

Sharon Kniss, C 06

What motivated you to become a JPCS major?
As I learned more about international affairs through news reports and research in high school, I developed a strong desire to serve overseas in violent conflict areas.  Without prior experience in violent conflict areas, I determined that I would need a solid educational foundation to increase my effectiveness in the field.

What do you hope you’ll be able to do with your JPCS major?
I am currently serving with a programme in London that provides training, consultancy, and mediation services to Christians facing conflict in their churches. In the future, I hope I will be able to continue peacebuilding work, whether it is locally-based, national, or international.

What course(s) has been most stimulating or meaningful for you as a JPCS major?
The Group Facilitation & Dynamics class was the class that integrated academic and practical the best out of any JPCS class. The in-class analysis of our textual learning was key along with practical experience and gaining a crucial skill for the “outside world.”

What are some key learning points you will be taking away from your time here at EMU and as a JPCS major?
Conflict is complex. Interventions in destructive conflict therefore need to take into consideration a host of various factors, the more of which are attended to, the higher chance for sustainable, restorative, and transformative end results. 

I learned about conflict analysis from Barry, social movement cycles and activism trends from Terry, transformative mediation from Gloria, and human needs theory from Lisa.

Advice to a JPCS prospective student?
JPCS offers a space for questioning and wrestling with important issues and being with fellow young idealists (and realists) at a crucial stage - where finding similar minded young adults is not likely.