Reflections on My Time at Hebrew University
By Katerina Standish, Dunedin, New Zealand
In Victoria, BC, in 1992, I was great friends with a budding archaeologist who wanted to study antiquities and was applying to study at the Rothberg School at Hebrew University. As I was studying anthropology and was a keen student of culture, she suggested I apply too and we go together.
I vividly recall filling out the application by hand on the floor of the cafeteria at Camosun College, taking turns with the only pen we had between us that worked. My friend Diana and I both applied but only I was accepted. So, I ended up travelling alone with no contact or expectations or indeed preconceived notions to join the 1993-94 Overseas School. She went later.
As my first ‘field school,’ I was hit with a myriad of experiences – personal, intellectual, cultural and spiritual – which led to a lifelong interest in conflict and peace. I spent a year studying history, culture, geography, Arabic, Hebrew and how to navigate differences (mine and others) among fellow travellers who shared their knowledge and humanity with me in Jerusalem.
I am now a Peace and Conflict Studies scholar living and working in New Zealand at the University of Otago and my interest in ethnic conflict, violence and nonviolence stems from my first perch of understanding regarding the connection between living, learning and loving one another through our differences.
- Katerina is the Deputy Director, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand
