Meghan, a junior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), is majoring in sociology with a minor in human rights and humanitarian affairs (HRHA). She is interested in legal reforms and in exploring the procedural barriers that affect post-conviction services.
During her time at UNL, Meghan had the opportunity to intern at the University of Nebraska College of Law Innocence Clinic, where she was able to learn about the post-conflict services across the State and deepen her interest in justice and advocacy for marginalized communities. The HRHA minor has provided her with a pathway for her to further explore and develop this interest.
In advising students interested in human rights advocacy, Meghan encourages, “Find what area of advocacy speaks to you and get involved! One of my best recommendations would be to connect with experts in various fields and interview them. I have learned so much from speaking with experts, and learning from their experiences has helped me to find what route of advocacy I am most passionate about. Once you find your niche, get involved! There are so many opportunities for undergraduate students to connect and actively work alongside missions they are passionate about (the HRHA department is a great resource in finding these opportunities as well).”
After graduation, Meghan plans to attend law school and hopes to focus on civil rights. She shared, “I'm passionate about navigating procedural barriers to justice, and I hope to support and advocate for individuals lacking representation in these areas.” Meghan credits the HRHA minor with helping her connect with students and professors who guided her through her interests. The HRHA internship and work with the Nebraska Innocence Clinic helped her gain real-world experience in her field of interest and gave her the opportunity to witness firsthand and contextualize what was learned in class.
