Aqsa Owais is a resident leader at the University of Pittsburgh and a participant in campus initiatives focused on dialogue and civic engagement.
“There was a conversation circle I was in last year where two students completely disagreed on a political issue. You could feel the tension. But instead of shutting down or yelling, they both leaned in. They asked each other why they felt that way. And it didn’t end in agreement, but it ended in respect. That moment stayed with me.”
Why do you care about this work?
I grew up in a divided area—politically, culturally, and socially. So, coming to Pitt, I was really interested in how people form beliefs and why they think the way they do. That’s what drew me in. I got involved in advocacy through the Muslim Student Association, where I serve on the advocacy committee. We work to make campus more inclusive—like bringing halal food to campus, supporting students during Ramadan, and right now, organizing a fundraising and education week for Sudan. I also work as a resident assistant, where I help mediate conversations and support dialogue among students. I wanted to be part of something where people actually talk to each other—even when they don’t agree.
What has your experience been like participating in dialogue work on campus?
It’s been really rewarding. I’ve had the chance to be part of programs where we’re not just talking—we’re practicing how to listen, how to respond, how to ask better questions. And I’ve seen people really change—not necessarily their opinions, but the way they engage with others. That’s huge.
Can you share a moment that stood out to you?
There was a conversation circle I was in last year where two students completely disagreed on a political issue. You could feel the tension. But instead of shutting down or yelling, they both leaned in. They asked each other why they felt that way. And it didn’t end in agreement, but it ended in respect. That moment stayed with me.
What do you think students want when it comes to civil discourse?
I think we want spaces where we can be honest without being attacked. Where we can ask questions, even if we’re unsure. And where we’re not expected to have perfect answers, just a willingness to learn. A lot of us didn’t grow up with that—we grew up with people talking at each other, not to each other. So these programs feel like a breath of fresh air.
How do you think this work has shaped you personally?
I’ve become a better listener, for sure. I’ve also become more comfortable with not knowing. I don’t feel like I need to have all the answers anymore. I can sit with discomfort and still stay in the conversation. That’s been the biggest shift for me.
Why do you think this work matters right now?
Because we’re so divided. And that division isn’t just on social media or in the news—it’s in our classrooms, our families, our friend groups. If we don’t learn how to talk across those lines, nothing’s going to change. This work gives us the tools to start those conversations.
What does civil discourse mean to you?
It means showing up with curiosity and respect. It’s not about changing someone’s mind—it’s about understanding where they’re coming from. Civil discourse is about being human with each other, even when we disagree.
What gives you hope?
Honestly, it’s other students. I’ve seen people come into these conversations really closed off—arms crossed, totally guarded—and then leave more open. Not because someone changed their mind, but because they were heard. That gives me hope. It shows we’re not as far apart as it sometimes feels.
How do you see civil discourse shaping your future beyond college?
I want to be a doctor. And in medicine, you see people from all kinds of backgrounds—and you also see how laws, policies, and environments shape their health. So as a healthcare provider, I’ll have two responsibilities: to care for people and to advocate for them. Last year, I shadowed a house representative who was also a doctor, and it was so powerful to see him bring patient stories into the policy world. That’s the kind of bridge-building I want to do.