My name is Grace Shockman, and I am a 2022 graduate of the Masters of Peace, Trauma, and Religion (1 Year). I found my way to this program during my personal search for an interdisciplinary religious studies masters as I wanted to look into intersections of sociology, religion, and grassroots work.
Since graduating, I am now working for a start-up ecological educational project in Catalonia, Spain as a member of the management team. My position is the Community Life manager and I assist in curriculum for diplomacy courses and social sciences while also engaging in an ongoing research project with the University of Barcelona related to ecological educational pedagogy. I am also completing another master’s degree in the management of educational centers.
I find it incredible to consider the way that information becomes relevant once you enter a context. I always believe praxis, the cycle of reflection and action, is at the heart of my attitude towards the study of theology. Working in a new context, in a new language, and with a community who all experience(d) trauma both individual and collective, I am constantly considering questions of identity, experience, and community-oriented solutions.
On a practical level, I work part-time at the educational project as a primary school teacher for the subject of diplomacy. This is a moment to engage with the questions: what is dialogue, what is conflict, where does bias come from? I always consider that advice of ‘if you can explain something to a child, then it is comprehendible for all’.
The beauty of a program like ‘Peace, Trauma, and Religion’ is that you can apply what you learn in almost every area. My current profession, as well as my personal projects working with international and local NGOS, require an awareness of the intersections of identity, conflict, and critical reflective thinking.
After graduation I explored my interest to do three things: work outside, work with a grassroots community project, and learn a new language. The best part of my job is that I combine all three - and it is special to accompany children through their first encounters with difficult subjects and to co-create a learning environment/curriculum that addresses the themes I studied in my time in the PTR program.
My advice to those who are curious about this program, arrange a call with the directors and professors of the program. The relational component of this program is what makes it special. My advisors and my cohort were and continue to be my professional and personal support system as I move into new endeavors!
Get in touch: grace.shockman@gmail.com
