(This story comes from Newton Kimberly, a Career Catalyst at Ohio Wesleyan University, who attended CDI's Foundations in Constructive Dialogue workshop in Fall 2024.)

The most noticeable change on campus isn’t always dramatic or widespread, but it’s happening. I’ve started to see a quiet, meaningful shift in how students talk to one another, especially around difficult or polarizing topics.

Students who have gone through CDI’s training speak differently. They’re more grounded, more open, and more willing to engage with people who see the world in different ways. It reminds me of how my parents used to talk about politics. They stood on opposite sides of the spectrum, but their conversations were civil. They listened, asked questions, and genuinely tried to understand each other. I’m starting to see that kind of thoughtful dialogue return in small but powerful ways on campus.

It’s a small group for now, but that’s how culture change begins. A few people lead the way, and others start to follow. I’ve noticed it especially during moments of global conflict or crisis. The conversations I overhear aren’t as reactive or combative as they once were. Instead of jumping to who’s right or wrong, more students seem to pause and consider the human impact on all sides.

There’s still a long way to go, but this kind of shift matters. It shows that students are building new habits of mind rooted in curiosity, empathy, and respect. And on a college campus, those habits can be contagious.

(Photo credit: Ohio Wesleyan University.)