Spring 2026 Winner of the Conflict Conqueror Scholarship

Angelina Nevarez

The Bihm Firm has awarded $1,000 to Angelina Nevarez as she enters her freshman year at Hardin-Simmons University. Angelina is a first-generation college student, and while that will bring unique challenges, we are confident she will excel in all her studies. In her essay, she details how she used respectful and clear communication to resolve conflict in a group project.

Read Their Essay Here:

Conflict is a common experience in academic environments, more likely when collaboration and high expectations combine. One significant conflict I encountered occurred during a group project for a class, where different levels of commitment and communication created tension within team members. This experience challenged me to develop problem-solving skills, strengthen my communication abilities, and better understand the importance of collaboration.

The conflict rose during a long-term group assignment that required extensive research, coordination, and presentation for our biology class. Early in the project, it became clear that some group members were not contributing equally. While a few of us consistently met deadlines and communicated progress, others usually missed meetings and submitted incomplete work. This discoordination led to frustration, as the final grade depended on everyone’s performance.

Initially, I hesitated to address the issue directly because I did not want to appear confrontational or controlling. However, as deadlines approached, the lack of participation began to risk the quality of our work. Realizing that avoiding the conflict would only worsen the situation, I decided to take a proactive approach. I suggested a group meeting to discuss our progress and clarify expectations moving forward.

During the meeting, I focused on addressing the issue respectfully and constructively. Instead of singling out individuals, I emphasized the project requirements, upcoming deadlines, and the importance of equal contribution. I also encouraged everyone to share any challenges they were experiencing. This open discussion revealed that some group members were struggling with time management and understanding certain aspects of the assignment, which had contributed to their lack of involvement.

To resolve the conflict, we collectively agreed to reorganize responsibilities based on each person’s strengths and availability. We created a shared timeline with specific tasks and deadlines, and we scheduled regular check-ins to track progress. By establishing clearer expectations and accountability, the group was able to work more efficiently and cooperatively.

As a result of these changes, the quality of our project improved significantly, and the group dynamic became more positive. All members contributed meaningfully, and we successfully completed the assignment. More importantly, the conflict was resolved without damaging relationships, and it fostered a greater sense of mutual respect within the group.

From this experience, I learned that academic conflict is often rooted in miscommunication rather than a lack of effort or motivation. I also learned that addressing concerns early, with empathy and clarity, can prevent small issues from escalating. This experience strengthened my leadership skills and taught me that effective collaboration requires honesty, flexibility, and understanding. These lessons continue to influence how I approach teamwork and conflict in academic settings and beyond.