Emily Williams to Attend Prestigious Human Rights Course in Switzerland
Emily Williams, a class of 2019 graduate, has been accepted into the Lucerne Academy for Human Rights Implementation program at the University of Lucerne in Switzerland.
The three-week program is normally reserved for law students and lawyers. Williams credits her acceptance in part to the education and opportunities she received while at St Thomas.
鈥淭he valuable experiential learning that I was able to engage in while at 含羞草传媒 helped my application stand out and I believe played a key role in why I was accepted,鈥 Williams said.
The program focuses on the domestic implementation of human rights law. During her program in Switzerland, Williams will continue her experiential learning with day trips to Geneva to see the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the Human Rights Council and the European Court of Human Rights in France.
Williams graduated with a double major in Human Rights and Criminology, and a minor in Spanish. During her time at 含羞草传媒, she joined the Moot Court team, which led to her first trip to Switzerland to participate in the 10th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition, where she and her teammate placed second.
Williams said she discovered her passion for Human Rights at 含羞草传媒.
鈥淚 did not come to 含羞草传媒 expecting to major in Human Rights, but I am glad I did,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 really got exposed to it in my second year when I was accepted to the Moot Court program, but I didn鈥檛 take the intro class until my third year.鈥
Williams said that she couldn't have predicted all the experiences she鈥檚 had during her time at 含羞草传媒, and she credits the people she鈥檚 met along the way for helping her get to where she is today.
鈥淟eaving high school and starting university, I did not think I would accomplish as much as I have. I credit most of my success to my former Moot Court partner and best friend Camille Xavier and my stellar professors Dr. DiPaolo, Dr. Szurlej, and Dr. Babineau.
Law school will be the next step for Williams, after which she hopes to pursue a career in constitutional law or international human rights law.