A perspective on mediation from a competition finalist - Chidinma Nwalupue
My name is Chidinma Nwalupue from Nigeria, I am a final year law Student in Swansea University with a previous degree in history and international studies from Ambrose Ali University, my initial interest in mediation was sparked during my first year. While signing up for various university competitions, mediation caught my attention as an intriguing option to explore. Although the concept was new to me, I was eager to understand how it worked.
Under the guidance of my coach, Professor Matthew Perry,( no… not that one!!! but equally awesome) I received valuable guidelines, tips, and preparation for my first virtual mediation experience. Remarkably, our team emerged as finalists in that initial competition, further fuelling my growing passion for mediation.
The UK Student Mediation Competition in Edinburgh, Scotland, presented a new challenge as my first in-person mediation event. The structure differed significantly from my previous experience, with multiple caucus sessions being a particularly novel aspect for me.
As the competition approached, I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. The prospect of my first in-person mediation was daunting, but the support of my strong teammates, Norma Fejiro O’miller and Chloe Gear, and our assistant coach, Emma Richard, provided immense encouragement. We spent our flight from Bristol contemplating the best strategies and even dedicated an entire night drafting what I deemed the "perfect template." This collaborative process strengthened our teamwork, allowing us to bounce ideas off one another and clearly define each person's role, ultimately putting us at ease.
The competition itself was a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. However, when we secured third place, a profound sense of pride and accomplishment washed over us. As we walked to the podium, whispering our joy and excitement, I felt a deep gratitude for the hard work and dedication that had brought us to this moment. The icing on the cake was being announced as the runner-up for best individual mediator, a recognition that filled me with immense satisfaction.
Reflecting on this experience, I learned a valuable lesson about the art of conversation and the importance of active listening. As Malcolm Forbes wisely stated, "The art of conversation lies in listening." Throughout the competition, I realized that truly understanding others' perspectives required more than just hearing their words; it involved discerning the underlying intentions and emotions behind their statements. This newfound skill in attentive listening has been a significant personal growth opportunity.
For anyone interested in pursuing mediation, my advice is straightforward yet essential. If you are part of a team, cultivate strong teamwork and collaboration with your partner(s). Develop a working template as a foundation, but remain flexible and adaptable to evolving situations. Remember that your body language can be as impactful as your words, so maintain an open and approachable demeanour.
Most importantly, allow your clients (the mediating parties) to express themselves freely. In our competition, we structured our caucus sessions into four segments: Emotions, Progressive Solutions, Reality Checking, and Ideal Outcome. This approach facilitated a comprehensive understanding of each party's perspectives and enabled us to guide them towards mutually beneficial resolutions.
Participating in the UK Student Mediation Competition in Edinburgh was a transformative experience that not only deepened my understanding of mediation but also fostered personal growth. The skills I acquired, the teamwork I experienced, and the sense of achievement I felt have undoubtedly enriched my journey as a law student and aspiring professional.