How Can Mediation Help Us Grow?
by Dr. Rubi Gonzales, CRCSTL Volunteer Mediator
At first, mediation might not sound all that exciting, but it actually teaches skills that are useful far beyond the mediation room. Whether you're in school, building relationships, or thinking about your future career, learning how to navigate conflict thoughtfully is something that will benefit you for life. To understand its value, it's helpful to look at what mediation actually teaches and how those lessons apply in everyday situations.
One of the most important parts of being a mediator is learning to stay neutral. That means listening to both sides without taking one. When you can do that, you create space for real understanding. It also helps you stay calm and fair, even when things get tense. This is a valuable skill in any setting: at school, in group projects, on a job, or when managing responsibilities. Many careers like teaching, counseling, law, healthcare, and business rely on this kind of clear, balanced thinking.
Mediation also shifts the way you think about success. It's not always about solving the problem or reaching an agreement. Sometimes, just helping people feel heard is the most important outcome. That mindset, understanding that it's okay when there is no perfect solution, builds flexibility and emotional intelligence. You start to see conflict not as something to win, but as something to understand and work through.
Mediation also encourages creative thinking. Watching people work toward a solution reminds you that problems don’t always have one right answer. It’s not like solving math problems with one correct answer. There are often multiple ways forward, and part of your role is helping others explore those options.
These are real-world skills. Mediation teaches you how to communicate better, stay level-headed, and support others through difficult conversations. It helps you grow as a leader and as a person. That kind of growth stays with you in school, in your career, and in life. Ultimately, it prepares you to navigate challenges with confidence and empathy, no matter where you go.
Dr. Rubi Gonzales is a dedicated leader committed to advancing equity, policy reform, and systemic change. As a Research Fellow at Washington University School of Medicine, she has addressed critical issues like health disparities and misinformation, influencing national policy and engaging the public. Rubi’s impact extends beyond academia, as she actively participates in policy and media commentary to ensure her research reaches a wider audience. At the ACLU, Dr. Gonzales conducted policy research on school policies disproportionately affecting marginalized students and supported legislation to advance expungement efforts, impacting over 500,000 Missourians.
Her leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Grants & Finance Committee at the National Science Policy Network and Chair of the Mentoring Committee for the First-Generation Executive Council, reflect her commitment to service. Currently she serves on committees for the Miami Foundation and the American Psychological Foundation. Dr. Gonzales is deeply committed to driving change, working to create more equitable communities and inspire others to act toward justice and fairness.