APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE WASHINGTON IRELAND PROGRAM
Letterkenny student Emma Cassidy spent her summer in the US on the Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership. It was an experience of a lifetime and she tells us why Donegal students should consider applying for the 2010 programme.
If you want a dull, conventional, average summer....then the Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership (WIP) is not for you. However, if you are a university student from Ireland or Northern Ireland and are looking for a summer that will challenge, excite and inspire then you should consider WIP! Applications for the Class of 2010 are now open. My name is Emma Cassidy and I am a very proud member of the Class of 2009. I’m from Letterkenny and I want the class that replaces us to have some Donegal representation too!
The Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership (WIP) is a unique organisation that unites promising students from both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Originally established on the twin ideals of peace and reconciliation in the aftermath of the Troubles, WIP has evolved along with the political situation in Northern Ireland. Today, the program encourages its students to work towards the common goals of public service and leadership.
Successful applicants will firstly complete community service in their local area with a charitable organisation of their choice. The Class will then depart for Washington DC for an intensive and thrilling 8 week stay. The interns work in one of WIP’s illustrious internships, located in some of the world’s most prestigious companies- Congressional and Senatorial offices on Capitol Hill, The World Bank, The Environmental Protection Agency to name but a few. Last summer, my interest in criminal law was rewarded with a placement in the Montgomery County State Attorney’s Office.
During the summer, each intern stays with a host family. All the host families involved with WIP take an intern (or sometimes two!) for the summer, feed us and make us feel like part of a family for no financial reward. Without them, the program simply would not be able to function! While the program hones your professional skills, time is made for the social side of life as well. The host families hold BBQ’s at their houses to welcome the interns to DC; Independence Day was marked with a 4th July party and spectacular fireworks on the National Mall and this year’s trip to New York City contained everything from briefings at the United Nations Headquarters..... to being guests at NASDAQ while the closing bell rang.... and a mad speedboat ride out to the Statue of Liberty!
It is testament to the innovative nature of WIP that it celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2009. This milestone was marked with a gala reception in Dublin Castle on October 8th, attended by Her Excellency, President Mary McAleese. After presenting the Class of 2009 with their graduation certificates, President McAleese addressed the gala reception marking WIP’s anniversary. I had the honour of addressing the assembled guests on the topic of universal citizenship and how the program has provided students with a truly “global” experience. To be given the opportunity to speak in front of my friends, family and classmates in St. Patricks Hall in Dublin Castle was incredible.
