Holding the Pieces Together by Eya

Holding the Pieces Together by Eya - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

My friends are always telling me that I should be a mediator. I tend to ease our friends’ disputes, de-escalate quarrels and most of the time find acceptable solutions for all parties. In fact, I have never received any specific training for it, but I really enjoy it. I enjoy listening to people, getting each side’s perspectives, motives and expectations. Most of the time it is all about miscommunication and divergent perspectives.
I remember in one instance when as the media leader of our service club, Generation Soul Beja, we were so overwhelmed with challenges and issues that the club almost got dissolved. During a meeting, the club’s leadership concluded that the club should be dissolved because nothing was being accomplished due to ongoing persistent members' disagreement and conflicts. Members felt unheard and abandoned, the club began to fall apart and many members left. Hearing this, I stepped in, trying to find a way to save the club. I spoke individually with each person to understand their perspective without taking sides. As soon as they opened up, I found it easy to understand their perspective, sense the emotions they were hiding, and the reasoning behind their actions.
After our discussions, everyone felt encouraged and heard. Ultimately, I ended up saving the club, as most members returned and the club regained its sense of unity. Through this mediation process, the club improved and members learned to communicate more effectively, to express themselves clearly and respectfully, accept different opinions, and focus on finding solutions together.
This experience made me realize that my strength lies in empathy and patience. Helping save the club showed me that even in moments of conflicts, I take initiative to rebuild trust and restore unity.