A Story from PTR Alumni: Alberto
I already had a Master’s degree in philosophy when I joined the PTR program. My idea was to shift my expertise in the direction of philosophy of religion, or even religious studies, with the hope of later getting a PhD position in one of these areas. At the time, religious diversity was one of my main interests. I consequently thought that a master’s degree that covered some basics of religious studies and theology, while also offering a specialization in religious conflict and peacebuilding, would be a suitable choice. The program delivered! Even as a non-theologian – while following the courses, I did often feel like the PTR specialization was mainly directed at theologians – I learned a lot of valuable information on the overlap between religion, conflict, and peacebuilding. The main downside for me was that the 1-year degree was too short! So be mindful that, if you start with the 1-year program, there is a good chance you will be left wanting more!
All of this I could have expected going in. What I could not have possibly predicted was the kind of friendly, even homely environment that the PTR program was able to create. Nowhere else in academia had I experienced such warmth, so to speak, when speaking in class, participating in meetings, or interacting with teachers (especially Fernando!). The peak, in this regard, was certainly our trip to Colombia (every year, PTR organizes a trip to study and experience areas affected by conflict first-hand; that year, we were lucky enough to fly to Bogota!). Those two weeks were an emotional and psychological rollercoaster, with lots of fantastic experiences, but also lots of challenging moments. Some of the things we have seen there, and some of the people we have spoken with, will remain with me forever, burned into my mind. It would not be an overstatement to say that, on that trip, a small family was created. A lot of us might not really be in contact anymore. Yet, in those two weeks, everyone was there for each other in a way that I rarely experienced in my life. I am extremely grateful for our time across the ocean together.
Midway through my studies I got the PhD position I was hoping for! I am now working at Tilburg University, in a project precisely on religious disagreements. I trust that my year at the Vrije Universiteit will keep aiding me in my academic career. Perhaps more importantly, however, PTR instilled in me a hunger for personally engaging with people and real-life conflicts, outside of the often dry and distant university offices. I doubt this drive will leave me anytime soon, and I am curious to see where it will lead me in the future.
Alberto Cavallarin
Alberto Cavallarin is a PTR Alumnus and currently a PhD candidate at the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University. He works on the epistemology of religion, with a specific focus on altered states of consciousness and religious disagreement.
