Who we are

Rebecca Sargent: (co) editor- in chief of A Peace of Conflict

I have been a student of peace and conflict for most of the past decade across several disciplines and programs at a few universities and colleges. I developed a passion for human rights and sustainable living solutions after world travels and education opened my eyes to some of the atrocities happening out there and realizing that I was a part of it through my actions, and purchases. Alongside my studies, I currently work as a Realtor in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, and am trying to encourage more sustainable housing solutions in the real estate market (check out http://www.kwrealestateblog.com for more details).
I write A Peace of Conflict because I want people to know what’s going on in the world and how it is possible to make change. I’d like to express that I mean no offense to anyone, with anything that I say. I am not anti-Canadian or American or Israeli, or any other nationality/race/religion, etc. I am anti-war and anti-human rights abuses. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a country who is not guilty of some form of human rights abuse. We have laws and regulations for a reason, but if they are not enforced, or are unjust– they are useless. If you disagree with the laws, practices or policies, speak out against them or they will never change!

Heather Wilhelm: (co) editor in chief of A Peace of Conflict

I am currently completing my BA in Global Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University through distance education, but also hold two diplomas in the legal field that I completed prior to attending WLU.  After working in the legal field for several years, I decided I wanted to continue my post-secondary education and entered WLU as a mature student without any real idea of what I wanted to study.  It only took one Global Studies class to get me hooked, and I quickly realized my life’s passion!  I have mainly studied the themes of war and conflict and peace resolution throughout my time at WLU, and am most interested in finding a way for us (as a society) to learn from our past mistakes with regards to war and attempts at peace resolution, to create a better tomorrow for all.

A Peace of Conflict for me has always been about trying to bring stories of war and conflict from around the world to those who may not otherwise read about them, and to really bring an awareness about what happens on a daily basis around the planet to a larger audience.

I hope you find what you read here educational and that it awakens inside you a sense of global responsibility that is sorely lacking in today’s world.  As Gandhi said, we must be the change we wish to see in the world, because if we aren’t, then who will be?