Finalist for the Mitchell Scholarship

Katie D.

November 13, 2011 - 1:24 PM

I have fabulous news: I am a finalist for the Mitchell Scholarship! A Mitchell is in the family of Distinguished Scholarships, and is something like a Rhodes Scholarship: the students chosen for a Mitchell study for a year in Ireland or Northern Ireland to receive a Masters Degree from an Irish institution. The scholarship is named for Senator George Mitchell, whose courageous leadership was instrumental in brokering the peace agreements in Northern Ireland after the "Troubles" of ethnic conflict during the 1970's, 80's, and 90's.

That's the kind of leader I hope to emulate in my life.

I am one of 19 finalists, vying for 12 scholarship positions. If I do receive a Mitchell, I will graduate from the UO in June and then leave in the fall for a second Masters program in Ireland. My program of choice would be studying International Human Rights Law. There is a very exciting program offered by Queen's University of Belfast which is taught in both Belfast and Galway, which would allow me the opportunity for formal study in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

This would be the perfect next step for my studies, and would open my horizons for work in human rights on the international scale.

In addition to the opportunity for further study, this would be an entry into the US-Ireland Alliance, which fosters a strong network of collaboration and support between the island of Ireland and the United States. Through their alumni network, I would have access to some of the powerful movers and shakers of the world, and a chance to rub elbows with ambassadors, politicians, activists, scholars, and peacemakers.

The final selection process takes place next weekend. To get this far I have already completed the lengthy paper application as well as a Skype interview. For the finalists' weekend, the 19 applicants are brought together in Washington DC for a reception and an interview with the selection panel for the US-Ireland Alliance. The reception will be held on Friday at the Irish Embassy, and involve program alumni, leaders, and distinguished guests. The Mitchell class of 2013 will be announced shortly after our interviews on Saturday.

I am thrilled to have made it so far in the application process. Professor Shaul Cohen is in charge of mentoring the Mitchell applicants from the UO, and he has done a fabulous job of helping me prepare for these final interviews. I've participated in a mock interview, met with faculty who have served on scholarship selection panels, and prepared for different lines of questions and ways to present my interests and qualifications. Five days before I leave for Washington DC, I feel as ready as I could ever be.

I don't know what the outcome will be next weekend. If the result is a year studying in Ireland, pursuing my passion for international human rights, I will feel so incredibly honored and excited. But if the end of this experience is to meet these international leaders and the other finalists who are future leaders themselves, that also will feel like a victory and an honor to me.

Regardless, I hope to represent the UO well, and to have a great adventure in Washington DC. I look forward to reporting the news in my blog next week. Wish me luck!