Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights

While in Bilbao, Spain, I was given the opportunity to assist Professor Felipe Gomez and the University of Deusto in planning the AHRI: Human Rights Defenders Under Siege conference. The conference is a two-day event where human rights defenders come together to discuss and exchange good practices that will facilitate the defense of all human rights in an increasingly complex scenario. I learned just how important this cause is to Felipe and the other staff members through the planning process. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many people who share the same passions as me. Bilbao is truly a magical city, and the magnificent campus looks like something out of a movie. I could not be more grateful to have spent my summer abroad in Spain trying new foods, having new cultural experiences, and working in the field of human rights.

I enjoyed teaching my human rights students at the Dow Academy immensely. One student even told me that I had changed the way she views the world, which was extremely gratifying to hear. It was an amazing opportunity to learn about a people and a place halfway around the world and to learn more about myself and what I am capable of. Despite being homesick at times, I look back and marvel at the new normal I had created there. Waking up in a new bed became waking up in my bed, the streets I had gotten lost on my first day became ones I knew like back of my hand, and anxiety that seemed to hang on my every interaction became confidence. I met dozens of people, many of whom quickly became good friends. I climbed mountains, toured nature reserves, and discovered incredible shops and restaurants.

I spent my summer experience working for Safe Place International, a nongovernmental organization that works with refugees across Africa. I observed first-hand the breadth that a public serving NGO can operate within. The work that I did, including grant writing, research, and a diverse assortment of odd tasks, was interesting and enriching. I was constantly being offered new work and educational experiences that were developing skills that I value and chose to work on. Cape Town is a wonderful city that I had an extraordinary time living in, despite a downside that highlights privilege perfectly. South Africa practices rolling blackouts year around so I was frequently planning my day around when I would have access to electricity. Living in Cape Town allowed me to experience other cultures, meet interesting people, and create long lasting bonds. I plan to continue volunteering with Safe Place to help them navigate legal questions.

This summer I was lucky enough to support the incredible work of Safe Place Greece, an organization committed to supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. Under the guidance and experience of community members I was tasked with drafting contracts to ensure stable housing for beneficiaries. I researched Greek labor law for refugees and asylum seekers and developed programming and resources for those in need of Safe Place Greece’s support. As the country’s immigration policies continue to shift, these resources provide stability for the hundreds of asylum-seekers who come to Athens each year.

Working directly with community members truly grounded and humanized the more theoretical knowledge I had about the asylum-seeking process, proving to be an invaluable experience as I look towards my future in the human rights field.

I traveled to Galway, Ireland to intern at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. I researched alongside Professor Ray Murphy. I examined the gathering of evidence from open sources of alleged war crimes and other violations in the Ukraine Conflict; analyzed the laws and consequences of long-term occupation through International Court of Justice cases and UN sources; and attended the International Criminal Court Summer School. This experience was tremendously impactful on me. Having the opportunity to do research and apply the law in real time to a major global event was a once in a lifetime academic and personal experience.

I was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Monrovia, Liberia to work with the Institute for Constitutional Research, Policy, and Strategic Development. ICRPSD is a capacity-building research center focused on promoting, developing, and supporting decency, democratic principles, peaceful coexistence and positive thinking and action, with emphasis on strengthening reading culture. This experience provoked a new perspective on the practice of law in the US and provided me with a valuable supplement to my law degree and future career. I was able to immerse myself in the culture and forge new friendships that I hope to maintain for the rest of my life.

I had the opportunity to stay in Athens, Greece for the summer and intern at Safe Place International. SPI supports refugees and asylum seekers that are members of the LGBTQIA+ community and/or single mothers by offering temporary housing, trainings, and community. As an intern, I helped transition the organization into a more sustainable business structure and learned about the asylum process in Europe. I left feeling inspired and impressed by everyone I met and ready to learn more about the immigration process.