I have been working as an intern for the Community Mediation Center for just over a month now. So far, it has been quite a pleasurable experience to be working with such a fine group of people. My coworkers are very friendly, and I am truly excited about my job. I am especially eager to be getting involved with the Summer Youth Program.

Although I have gained knowledge about the mediation process by taking a mediation course at James Madison University, (Go Dukes!!!), this internship has taught me a plethora of skills that could never be learned in a classroom.

By setting up appointments with clients I have definitely learned the art of patience. It never really occurred to me how much hard work was required to arrange schedules that would be suitable for all the parties. Perseverance was also a lesson that was learned from the appointment making process, because very rarely were all parties able to meet at the same time.

In terms of my overall involvement with the Summer Youth Program, I have gained a better understanding of strategic planning; mainly because I have helped in choosing the new material that will be put in the program manuals. I have also learned how to plan group activities as well. The process of brainstorming ideas for these activities has also helped my creativity, because I am forced to think outside the box.

Most of all, however, I believe that the most important thing I have learned from the internship at the Community Mediation Center is how to resolve conflicts more quickly and effectively. Although I have not yet observed a mediation session, this skill has been improved during the course of my internship because I have listened to how my coworkers handle communicating with their clients on the telephone. They always seem to ask very key questions to their clients in order to quickly and effectively resolve the conflict.

I am sure that there will be a wide variety of other skills that will be taught to me during the rest of my time as an intern for the Community Mediation Center, but I just feel blessed to be a part of such a great organization.

-Denver Sicay