Ultimately, I think most of us are trying to figure it all out and to do that, you have to be open to hearing other people. That’s how you advocate for the highest good, to understand all sides.
When Joshua Neff, ’27, logged onto his computer for a conference call, he didn’t know what to expect. All he knew was that he would be talking with a total stranger from another part of the country.
Soon, a college student named Emily from Florida appeared on the screen and the two began a conversation.
“We started discussing who we were and where we are from, then launched into the guided questions that covered a variety of hot-button issues, including abortion, gun control and climate change,” Joshua said.
The call was set up through 91’s Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ), which assists with organizing these unique one-one-one conversations as part of the Unify Challenge College Bowl. They are offered in both the fall and spring semesters.
Five years ago, when philosophy Professor Dr. Aeon Skoble learned about the Unify Challenge College Bowl, a virtual intercollegiate event where thousands of students are paired into one-on-one conversations across differences, he saw an opportunity and began promoting it on campus.
“I think we are more conscious of living in polarized times and are always thinking about ways to bridge those gaps,” Skoble said. “You can’t really understand another person without having a conversation, a one-on-one with a real human being who may have different perspectives than you but will also show you that you might have a lot in common.”
That is what struck Ethan McMullin, ’26, a music education major, when he participated and talked with a student from the Midwest. Among other things, the two talked about civil rights and the current presidential administration.
“He did say he was a centrist, and didn’t really push back during our conversations,” Ethan said. “Ultimately, I think most of us are trying to figure it all out and to do that, you have to be open to hearing other people. That’s how you advocate for the highest good, to understand all sides.”
Joshua, who is studying history and secondary education, said one thing he learned from the Unify Challenge was how much a person’s perspective on the world is shaped based on where they are from.
“It is really easy to push people who you politically disagree with into a box; but this experience helped me not only appreciate the humanity of those I disagree with, but also realize all of the areas where we can work together,” he said.
As a low-stake assignment, Assistant Professor Sheena Rancher has students in her Cultural Diversity in Schools and Society class sign up for the Unify Challenge. She does so because it allows her students to share their perspectives, values and beliefs in a “brave space.”
“These conversations allow us to actively listen to someone else’s perspective with respect and without judgement and critically reflect on why or how we defend specifics topics,” Rancher said. “These conversations can reveal some misconceptions or incomplete stories we may have about people, places or topics.”
According to Jill Beckwith, MRISJ executive director, 15 BSU students participated in the most recent Unify Challenge College Bowl Spring session, and the feedback from students was positive.
“For students to be able to explore their own values and talk with another student about those values, it’s at the core of helping students understanding what’s happening and what kind of force they want to be in civic life,” she said.
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