If you think the great pineapple-on-pizza debate is heated, try getting dozens of students from different cultures to agree on the best way to handle conflict. Should we talk it out? Avoid the conversation? Or settle things the old-fashioned way—rock, paper, scissors?

Hey, my name is Anna Gumenyuk and  I’m the wellness intern and conflict resolution teacher at Cumorah Academy for the winter semester. When I’m not helping people find inner peace, you can find me perfecting my golf swing, planning my next international adventure, or testing the limits of speed on the racetrack. I have a passion for high-stakes decision-making—whether it’s in the European Youth Parliament or as a student dean at the Faculty of Business Administration.

As a Conflict Resolution Teacher at Cumorah Academy, I’ve learned that navigating disagreements isn’t just about finding the “right” answer. It’s about listening, understanding different perspectives, and—sometimes—realizing that both sides can be right (yes, even the pineapple lovers).

My Journey as a Conflict Resolution Teacher

Getting here was an adventure in itself. After months of internship applications and rejection emails that felt way too personal, I finally landed an incredible opportunity to teach in the Czech Republic.

Stepping into Cumorah Academy wasn’t just about entering a classroom—it was about joining a community committed to growth. Here, self-improvement isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life.

Lessons in Conflict: Why Group Work Feels Like a Battlefield

Teaching conflict resolution means tackling some of life’s toughest questions:

• How do you handle disagreements in a way that strengthens, not breaks, relationships?
• What’s the best way to give constructive criticism without sounding like a villain in a corporate drama?
• And the hardest one—who gets to pick the music during study sessions?

It turns out that managing group dynamics is an art form. Some students prefer direct confrontation, while others pretend problems don’t exist until they (hopefully) disappear. (Spoiler: they never do.) My job is to help them find a middle ground, build trust, and develop strategies that don’t involve passive-aggressive silence or dramatic walkouts.

From Conflict Resolution to Campus Life

My role at Cumorah goes beyond just helping students work through conflicts. As a Wellness Intern, I get to be part of the heartbeat of campus—whether it’s planning sports tournaments, organizing activities, or simply making sure everyone feels supported. Some days, that means kicking off a networking session; other days, it’s just cheering people on. But no matter what, it’s about creating moments that bring us together and celebrating the incredible students and staff who make this place feel like home.

The Art of Agreeing to Disagree (and Still Having Fun!)

Getting a group of people to agree on something—whether it’s how to approach a project, what music to play, or who gets the last piece of cake—has been an unexpected crash course in conflict resolution.

Here’s my go-to formula for resolving disagreements:

1️⃣ Acknowledge their perspective – “I get it, we all have different ideas.”
2️⃣ Find common ground – “But at the end of the day, we all want to enjoy this experience.”
3️⃣ Offer a solution – “How about we try a little of everything and see what works best?”

It’s always a process, but the best moments happen when we find a way forward together. That’s what makes Cumorah Academy so special—it’s not just about learning or working side by side; it’s about truly connecting.

Whether it’s late-night pajama party conversations, celebrating traditions at the Ukrainian International Evening, or laughing through a spontaneous karaoke session, every moment brings us closer. Community isn’t just something you join—it’s something you build together.

So, Do Pineapples Belong on Pizza?

Honestly? It depends on who you ask. Some people swear by it; others consider it a crime against nature.

But the real lesson? What matters isn’t proving who’s right—it’s learning to respect different perspectives and, sometimes, even giving the other side a chance.

(And yes, I did try pineapple on pizza. And no, I won’t tell you what I decided. Some mysteries are best left unsolved.)

Here’s to embracing differences, solving problems with an open mind, and never underestimating the power of a good morning workout.

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Written by Anna Gumenyuk

Photos by Felipe Echeverri

Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer