Vydalia Weatherly earns highly selective internship

Mercyhurst University junior Vydalia Weatherly, a Political Science and Criminal justice major, is among eight students out of more than 600 applicants chosen for internships this summer with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) in Philadelphia.

FIRE offers a 10-week, paid free speech internship that gives undergraduates the opportunity to assist the organization in defending civil liberties on campuses across the country. Interns participate in weekly seminars with staff and other experts on issues surrounding freedom of expression, due process, and more.

Weatherly, a native of Altoona, said she applied for the internship because she has long wanted to pursue a career in law and only just recently, through coursework at Mercyhurst, identified a focus on constitutional law and civil liberties. She also carries a minor in History.

“I like the fact that every day is different at FIRE and that as interns we do substantive work, like research, policy reform, and legislation,” Weatherly said. “Plus, I feel that Philadelphia, where our nation was started, is the perfect place to learn civil liberties and, hopefully, I can bring that knowledge back to campus.”

Among her many campus activities, Weatherly is an Ambassador, an RA, secretary for Mercyhurst Equality of Women, president of Black Students of Unity, and PR coordinator for Mercyhurst Student Government. She also serves on the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Weatherly will work at FIRE’s downtown Philadelphia office, directly across from the Liberty Bell, from May 30 to Aug. 4. She will earn a stipend of $5,250.