Last month, I had the privilege of taking part in the Fordham Law-UCD-QUB Summer School, a two-week immersive experience split between Belfast and Dublin.

Alongside fellow students from Fordham, Queen’s University Belfast, and UCD, and led by incredible faculty from all three universities, we explored human rights law, particularly through the lens of Northern Ireland's complex history and the ongoing peace process.

As someone from the Republic of Ireland, though living in the North, I was grateful to contribute to the dialogue by offering my unique perspective, and from hearing others' opinions, I felt deeply enriched and very inspired by the discussions within the class.

Classes ranged from talking about legitimacy and power to restorative justice, parade rights, and the broader human rights lessons Northern Ireland continues to teach the world. This was better improved by amazing guest speakers, such as from the Parades Commission and other key voices in NI's peace and justice work.

Beyond this, we had memorable events, including dinners at the King’s Inns and at Queen's University, where I had the honour of meeting amazing guests, including the Hon. Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, and the Hon. Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell, Chief Justice of Ireland.

A huge thank you to Michael Martin, John Feerick, and everyone else who made this program possible. The friendships I made during my time with the summer school students from Fordham University School of Law, QUB, and UCD are ones I’ll carry with me for life.