The Mitchell Scholarship

Katie D.

November 20, 2011 - 8:14 PM

Next year I will be a Mitchell Scholar, studying in Ireland and Northern Ireland! I am one of twelve to receive this scholarship which will support us through a year-long masters program, and will create a community of American scholars and encourage us to travel, embrace the culture, and serve as ambassadors between the Island of Ireland and the United States.

I could not be happier.

In addition to hearing I received the scholarship, the program director also let me know that I have been placed in my top choice for programs. I will be studying International Human Rights Law through a cross-border program in which I will start at Queen's University in Belfast, and then at the National University of Ireland in Galway, through the National Human Rights Centre. This means I will be living in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and learn from the different pasts and cultures of each place.

I am chose that program as my first choice because of the opportunity to advance my interest in human rights and social justice through a law program, and to gain the practical and international focus on the universal rights of all people, focusing on humanitarian law, immigration, and criminal justice.

To pursue an LLM (Masters in Law) in a topic like Human Rights Law in the United States, you first must obtain a Law Degree, and then return to school for a Masters in Law. It is possible that Law School is in my future. But for now I feel that my focus is on learning enough to continue to be an effective and empowered advocate and social justice worker. This degree in International Human Rights Law is the perfect next step.

Over the next few months I will have additional information to share regarding the details and timing of my studies next year. For now what I know is that I will leave some time in August and go first to Belfast for the foundational studies, and then to Galway to pursue a focus in my chosen field. In the summer I will write a thesis, choosing either Belfast or Galway as my home institution for research and for graduation in the fall.

If you want to read more about the selection process, and the other finalists, the Mitchell Scholarship news release can be found here: http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/content/334/en/Scholarships/Program%20News/Class%20of%202013%20Mitchell%20Scholars%20Selected.html

Pictures from the Friday night reception, including one with all scholarship finalists with the Irish Ambassador, can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usirelandalliance/sets/72157628069181311/with/6371256725/

If you're interested in reading about previous Mitchell Scholars' experiences in the program, check out the program's blog here: http://blog.mitchellscholars.org/wordpress/

I am so happy and honored to have this opportunity. If this finalists weekend was any indication, then next year I will be surrounded by inspiring and talented fellow scholars, and supported by a community of active, influential folks in the US-Ireland Alliance community. I can't imagine a better next step in my life.

Ireland, here I come!