Meet Restorative Justice’s Uzma A.!
Uzma graduated from Senn High School in 2012, where she was involved in the Restorative Justice program for all four years of her high school career! Even though she’s extremely busy rocking out her pharmacy classes at Wright College, Uzma made time to visit us in Senn’s RJ Peace Room this past December.
We couldn’t miss the opportunity to do a mini-interview about her experience with Alternatives, Inc. Restorative Justice! Check out the highlights below:
Uzma, what was your favorite part about participating in RJ?
My favorite part was helping out my peers. I was in a better position to understand what they were going through, because I can relate to them. I could help them come to a solution… and it can really change their future. It can make a difference. When students do RJ, they are motivated to do better. I like helping others. If I am successful, I want my peers to be successful, too.
You definitely were and are successful! You participated in RJ for four years. Do any cases stick out in your memory?
Yes. I think it was my first year. I remember a mediation case with several girls. They were fighting over a guy and it ended up being a physical conflict. They came to RJ and we talked it out. We were able to resolve it, because they were friends before it happened. They came to a good agreement, so it was successful. I felt more mature, afterwards. It might have been my first case… it definitely had an impression on me.
Do you have any advice for new or current student Peace Ambassadors?
Be thoughtful. And put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Try to understand where they are coming from — regardless of what you think about what they did.
I think fighting is a biological response, but… we must have a logical response. We must use our brains. The things you can do with words… it’s powerful.
Why do you think RJ is important in schools, Uzma?
I see RJ helping people make positive and better choices. It’s unique. I used to be really judgmental — people are right or they are wrong. Now, I think I understand people’s problems better. I am more patient, responsible, and mature. I ask ‘why,‘ instead of just judging others.
I used to only see what’s on the surface. Now, I want to see what’s below.
A HUGE thanks to Uzma for volunteering her time at Senn and for agreeing to do this interview. Check back for more “Youth Spotlights” and other RJ blog posts!
