The ISHR Secretariat is delighted to welcome Sydney Wilhelmy, who is interning with us. Sydney is a phenomenal student at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, specifically focusing on Human Rights and International Relations. Through his time with ISHR, Sydney will be instrumental in being of service to the various sections through his expertise in the area of Human Rights.

“My name is Sydney Wilhelmy, and I am thrilled to start my internship period here in Bonn with the ISHR Secretariat this summer. In the final year of my Bachelor’s Program in the United States, I am studying international relations and economics at the University of Pittsburgh with a focus on human rights policy and affairs. Additionally, I am also taking courses in Arabic and have just completed my third year of language study at the University. I had the recent honour of being named an inaugural recipient of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, which supports students around the United States in overcoming financial barriers to the pursuit of higher education and opens access to important out-of-the-classroom experiences which may have been otherwise impossible.

My interest in international relations and human rights grew out of my university studies and the classes in which I was enrolled. International experiences in the past few years have only strengthened my desire to enter this field after graduation from University. Therefore, I consider the opportunity to intern, gain professional experience, and make meaningful contributions to the work of the ISHR Secretariat an incredible gift, one which I hope to make the most of. I look forward to getting to know those on the team and seeing what we can accomplish together over the coming months.

When I am not studying or working, I can usually be found reading, listening to my favorite music, or cooking up pancakes at home. When I am home with my family, I really enjoy taking my dogs on long walks to the beach or along the river trails near my house. Travelling is a passion of mine, and visiting new places and exploring new cultures is something I particularly enjoy and do as often as is affordable and possible.

I am excited to begin my time here in Bonn, and am looking forward to everything I will have the privilege of working on during the coming months.”