June 8, 2026 | Graduate profiles
Each of our graduating students has a different story, but they share a common thread: learning through dialogue and community. In this Q&A series, graduating students from IGR reflect on moments that challenged them, people who shaped them, and skills they’ll carry forward after graduation.
Samantha Cellar (BS ’26) received IGR’s minor in intergroup relations education and liberatory education cord when she graduated this April from the University of Michigan. In a short interview, she reflects on deepening empathy, strengthening dialogue skills, and how her IGR experiences helped influence her path toward Cornell Law School and an advocacy-focused legal career.
How did the IGR community shape your experience at U-M?
The IGR community helped me build deeper, more empathetic connections with others.
Through dialogue-based learning, I became more comfortable sharing my own experiences and perspectives while also learning to listen carefully to those of others.
I found that many of the skills emphasized in IGR, such as active listening and thoughtful communication, naturally carried over into my relationships, academic work, and leadership roles on campus. Over time, I became more confident contributing to discussions and often found myself stepping into the role of a dialogue leader, helping create space for meaningful conversations and encouraging others to share their experiences.
IGR challenged me to think critically about my own perspectives while fostering a stronger sense of empathy and connection with the people around me.
How did IGR inspire your further education and/or career?
The communication, dialogue, and conflict navigation skills I developed through IGR reinforced my interest in pursuing a career where I could advocate for others and engage with complex social issues.
As I prepare to attend Cornell Law School, I find myself drawing on many of the lessons I learned through IGR, particularly the importance of listening to understand, approaching disagreements with curiosity, and recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. IGR showed me that meaningful change often begins with thoughtful dialogue, and those skills will continue to guide me as I pursue a legal career focused on serving and working with diverse communities.
How do you think IGR shaped your personal values and growth?
Before participating in IGR, I often approached conversations with the mindset that I needed to defend my perspective or prove that I was right. Through dialogue and reflection, I learned the value of listening not simply to respond, but to genuinely understand others' experiences and viewpoints. One of the most meaningful lessons I gained was that disagreement does not have to prevent connection or learning. In fact, some of the most impactful conversations I had were with people whose perspectives differed greatly from my own.
IGR helped me become more open-minded, self-reflective, and empathetic, and it taught me to approach difficult conversations with curiosity rather than judgment. These skills have shaped the way I interact with others and will continue to influence both my personal and professional life.
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