Linda Kryvoruka, Graduate Certificate Student
Linda Kryvoruka, a soon-to-be retired nurse anesthetist, is currently enrolled in the World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution certificate program at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR). “The prospect of becoming a student in this field will fulfill my lifelong mission of always serving others, endlessly learning, and broadening my understanding of different religions, and cultures in regards to solving conflicts.” Linda describes this change not as an end to her nursing career, but rather “a blank canvas of opportunities for her to apply the experiences and training she has learned, and to build upon it to better help others.”
Linda started her nursing career in an open heart surgery unit in Philadelphia, where she worked with patients from many socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, who suffered from very serious and life threatening illnesses. She attributes her decision to pursue this career path to her inherent personality trait of caring for people, which has been her drive to work tirelessly through many intense situations. Her love for her work led her to attain three degrees, the last one being a Master's Degree in Anesthesia in 1990. “My favorite aspect of being a nurse anesthetist was the care and level of trust that people who were deeply afraid of having surgery place in me. It is difficult at times knowing that you are the last person that a patient speaks to before they go to sleep, especially for a very serious surgery.”
Linda also credits her caring nature and value system to the role that religion played in her upbringing. As a life long Catholic schooler, she chose a Jesuit University with its emphasis on religion, philosophy, and moral ethics, because their philosophy was “men and women for others.”
While working as a nurse anesthetic, Linda noted how much the stories pateints shared with her also helped to shape her life. “My 43 years in healthcare introduced me to many cultures and religions, most memorable were the many Holocaust survivors that I cared for that were willing to tell me their stories. This led to a lifelong interest in genocide, and other acts of violence on a race of people. My healthcare background gives me a unique perspective because all religions and cultures have one common denominator - they all have the same bodies and illnesses which require the same care, and they are all scared and grateful to the person who provides that care.”
Linda is also keen on social justice for all, especially with an emphasis on the sort of world that would be left for future generations.“I am passionate about the idea of embracing an education that emphasizes problem solving on a global scale and breaking barriers among adversity.”
For Linda, the graduate certificate program will be the perfect opportunity for her to combine her experiences in life and death situations in the operating room with the knowledge of political, religious, and historical contexts, to effectively resolve conflicts. “It is the top goal of mine to be able to combine all of my unique experiences, passions and skills to become an effective, open-minded, and expertly trained professional to continue my life’s mission of helping others in the setting of conflict resolution.”