For most people, peace is an ideal. For Lorie Jeffers it is a fulltime concern and career path.
Jeffers, a senior at the University of the Virgin Islands, is doing her psychology internship at the Community Peace Center in Frederiksted.
“Interning at the Peace Center has been a real eye-opening experience for me,” Jeffers said. “I think about stopping violence by promoting peace. If we focus on the positive and peace, everything falls into place.”
At the center she has administrative duties and is researching a peace curriculum to be introduced to local elementary students in a pilot program. She said the Peace Center is an awesome new initiative and she is glad to be in on the early stages of development.
The center, established last year, has three program areas under way: Arts for Peace, Skill Building for Peace and Advocacy for Peace. It is sponsored by the Interfaith Coalition.
It seems the 21-year-old Jeffers was groomed for the internship, as things naturally fell into place for her.
Jeffers was involved in a peer mediation enrichment program at Manor School her junior and senior years.
Judith Gadd, the former head mistress of the school who died last year, was coordinator of the mediation program. She saw potential in Jeffers to help alleviate problems among students at the school. Jeffers, class valedictorian in 2010, said she was so pleased to have been able to work with Gadd, who she really admired. She added she plays the role of a peacekeeper and pacifist in her family, with members often turning to her for advice.
Faith plays a major role in Jeffers’ life.
She is involved at South Gate Baptist church, where she is the Junior Church coordinator, a Sunday school teacher and sings in the choir.
“I consider myself to be God’s favorite,” Jeffers said. She went on to say without God she could not have accomplished what she has.
She says she enjoys challenges. The most challenging thing right now she said is time management.
She is working part time at the UVI Cooperative Extension Services as an assistant to Associate Director Kofi Boateng. And she is getting ready for finals and graduation in May.
Jeffers is checking out universities that offer a master’s degree in conflict resolution and management. After getting her masters Jeffers wants to come back to St. Croix.
“I am definitely connected to St. Croix,” Jeffers said. “There is a lot of work to be done here. And after all the opportunities I’ve had here it wouldn’t be right to leave.”
She said she feels a part of the center and if the dice fall right she would like to work there.
“My hope is that people will get involved with the Peace Center and it branches out and grows into something wonderful for attaining peace for society.”
She believes peace starts at home with love, respect and attention given to people.
“Peace has to start somewhere and finish somewhere,” Jeffers said. “We have to give unconditional love regardless of the person.”
Born and raised on St. Croix, Jeffers is the daughter of Genevieve and George Jeffers of Princess.
