22 -year-old Kerry Logan, who is studying for a degree in Law and French Law at the University of Aberdeen, will spend this summer in Washington DC after being selected to take part in the Washington-Ireland Program for Service and Leadership (WIP).
The six-month programme of personal and professional development brings outstanding university students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to the US Capital for summer work placements and leadership training.
Kerry, who is from Anahilt in County Down, will work at the heart of Capitol Hill as an intern for Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan Boyle, while also volunteering with the Capital Area Food Bank's Urban Demonstration Garden, which promotes nutritional education and healthy produce to those seeking the assistance from the food bank.
Commenting on her selection for the programme, she said: “I was initially attracted to WIP not only by the opportunity to take part in such an interesting program of community service, leadership training and a professional placement, but by the WIP ethos that serving others is at the core of leadership.
“I was absolutely delighted to be accepted on to the program and cannot wait for all the opportunities to learn, the challenges and the laughs that I am sure the summer ahead will hold.
“I have already met the rest of the class at an orientation weekend, and I am excited to get to know them better and to grow as part of a diverse team who are committed to influencing their environments and bringing about social change.
“I am passionate about social justice and human rights and would love to pursue a career in this area. I hope that interning for Congressman Boyle, volunteering at the demonstration garden and getting to know my host mum and classmates will open my eyes to new perspectives, challenge my views and beliefs and equip me to pursue a career in which I can help to effect social change.”
