Interview with Jonny

How did you find your internship?

During the Fall of my Junior year (Fall 2006), I went to a student seminar in New York City hosted by the MCC-UN office. There I met the director, Doug Hostetter, and was excited about the work that the UN office was doing. I also spoke with history major Paul Shetler, who worked with the UN office for his history internship as well. He had a good experience, so I followed up with Doug and arranged my internship for the Summer of 2007.

What were your major responsibilities?

As an intern, much of my time was spent researching international issues, writing reports for the U.N., and attending whatever U.N. meetings or briefings happen to catch my eye.

My main assignment was to write a report on how well Israel was abiding by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (adopted by the U.N. in 1966 and enacted in 1976) in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially pertaining to torture, inhumane treatment of civilian detainees, and freedom of movement. This “shadow report” was then given to the United Nations Human Rights Committee along with Israel’s official report.

So, I spent a lot of time reading reports, writing, and going to UN briefings and other seminars hosted by non-governmental organizations.

What’s an important thing you learned?

I really didn’t know anything about the inner workings of the United Nations, especially the Security Council. I learned a lot about the immense bureaucracy of the UN, international politics, and how Mennonites interact with the work of the United Nations.

What do you wish someone had told you before you started your internship?

I wish someone would’ve told me how expensive it was going to be to live in NYC for 5 weeks. I should’ve pushed harder for MCC to help pay for my travel and living expenses.

What did you most and least enjoy?

I enjoyed just living in New York City for 5 weeks! I spent a lot of time walking around Manhattan, going to parks, doing touristy things, seeing Broadway shows, etc.

By the end, however, I was tired of being in the city and always being around people and buildings. So in the end, the city experience was both my favorite and least favorite aspect of the internship.