Kelsey Carido

I am a junior majoring in International Relations with a human rights minor. I hope to attend law school and pursue human rights or immigration law. This summer I was an External Relations intern at Cristosal, an NGO based in El Salvador whose goal is to advance human rights in the Northern Triangle. Despite being a remote experience, I was able to fully immerse myself as a part of the team. The interactions I had with staff members of the organization helped me practice my Spanish and engage with how an NGO works. I learned a lot about El Salvador and the culture as much as I could without physically being there, and it opened my eyes to a new part of the world. I was able to develop great relationships with other interns, and the collaborative environment improved my communication skills and confidence as a leader. 

As a part of the advocacy project team, my work involved communicating with volunteers, drafting a briefing on the constitutional crisis in Guatemala, creating a social media hub and advocacy tracking system, and presenting on key issues in the region and their relevance to the US. I learned that human rights work is hard, but it inspires me to make my own difference and continue investigating these issues through different lenses. I am grateful to have had the chance to work with Cristosal, and I hope someday to go to El Salvador and meet those who made this summer unforgettable in person.