Dialogue can be the spark for peace, having two sides come together to resolve conflict through conversation about similarities and not just differences.

It can be as simple as a pickup volleyball match in the unlikeliest of places — a beach court in Oslo, near the dorms at the Norwegian Nobel Institute as Clare-Marie Anderson experienced this summer.

The Hawaii senior defensive specialist lived her passion for nearly two months halfway around the globe. Her commitment to making the world a better place has never been more relevant, particularly given the current political climate and recent incidents on the mainland.

She and current UH graduate student Jasmine Samiere shared the precepts of “Live Pono” with her fellow Nobel Peace Scholars 12 hours away, sharing the ideals of harmony and balances with all things in life, as well as other Hawaiian concepts, such as ohana.

“Everyone was very interested in our different traditions and cultural practices,” Anderson said as the Rainbow Wahine prepared to conclude double-day workouts with Saturday’s scrimmage. “I think everyone from Hawaii agrees that when you’re asked where you’re from, you respond ‘I’m from Hawaii.’ We were in the American group and the others would say they were from the United States.

“It was special to bring our unique point of view, to share how diverse Hawaii is, how much of a melting pot, and how honestly friendly our community is. It is not the same in other places.”

Anderson’s goal is to become a doctor, but she wants to incorporate peace into her medical practice, possibly working in countries that are afflicted by conflict.

“I think everyone has a responsibility to do good in the world,” the UH Presidential Scholar said. “What is going on in our world — the issues in the U.S., Syria, North Korea — was extremely relevant to what I studied this summer.

“We really focused on how dialogue can play a huge role in creating peace. Each of us can do our part. It was really special to be in an environment where everyone was passionate about helping the world become a better place.”

Rainbow Wahine coach Robyn Ah Mow-Santos has no doubt that Anderson will be part of the solution.

“I think it was awesome what she did this summer,” Ah Mow-Santos said. “Her work ethic is amazing. You want 10 of her on your team.

“You look at all she does, almost a 4.0 with one A-minus, studying for the MCATs, volunteering at the hospitals, a walk-on for both indoor and sand.

“She wants to change the world, that’s just the kind of girl she is.”

Anderson made sure she could stay in shape over the summer, securing a membership at a local gym prior to leaving for Norway. She did have to bring her own volleyball, which came in handy on the nearby sand courts.

The sport and “wearing slippers even when it was freezing” kept her connected to home. Volleyball became the ultimate example of peaceful dialogue.

“We got a group together to play,” she said. “People in my group were from Russia, Ukraine, the Balkans, and we played a team from Somalia.

“It was nice to see everyone come together even though we had very diverse backgrounds.”