Amanda Wetzel helped bring Catholic and Protestant women in Northern Ireland into the same room last year.

Wetzel (senior-international politics) had this unique opportunity because of an internship. Following graduation, Wetzel will continue her interest in human rights by becoming the first Penn State student to participate in the Humanity in Action program and studying for a year in Ireland.

Wetzel received the opportunity to study in Ireland after winning the George Mitchell scholarship, a prestigious national scholarship.

Wetzel is looking forward to both programs.

"It's great because it opens up a ton of resources to students in these programs," she said.

The Humanity in Action program will take her to Amsterdam where she will perform a research project with two international students.

The Mitchell scholarship will give Wetzel the chance to study at Queens University in Belfast.

"I'm very excited," she said. "It is a perfect opportunity to work with professors who worked on a bill of rights."

The Humanity in Action program and Mitchell scholarship are two of Wetzel's many achievements while at Penn State.

After writing an essay about how the Internet can facilitate communication among people who cannot travel, Wetzel won the United States and western Europe division of a United Nations contest and presented her essay before the U. N.

Wetzel said the experience was a great opportunity to meet other students.

"I got the perspective of people in my discipline at another angle," she said.

Her essay is now published in a U. N. book and has become an educational tool.

In addition to the U. N. contest, Wetzel interned at the U.S. Department of State and was named to the All-USA College Academic 2nd Team.

Here at Penn State, Wetzel is a Lion Ambassador, member of the Undergraduate Student Government Academic Assembly and director of the student-run Schreyer Institute.

Cheryl Achterberg, dean of the Schreyer Honors College and a professor of Wetzel's, attributes Wetzel's success to her dedication, hard work and enthusiasm.

"She comes up with connections for herself and others," Achterberg said. "She is always searching for extra challenges."

Josephine Carubia, coordinator of student programs and service learning in the college and a former professor of Wetzel's, also praised her enthusiasm and interest.

"Amanda reaches out for opportunities that other students don't think they could win," Carubia said.

Carubia said Wetzel is not intimidated by scholarships that are offered to only a few students in the country and Carubia has used Wetzel's success to inspire other students to apply for scholarships.

While Wetzel says she will miss Penn State, she is looking forward to the future.

"Graduation is a really exciting time but also a little melancholy," she said. "Still, I'm excited about going abroad."

After finishing her studies in Belfast next August, Wetzel plans to stay in school until she receives a doctoral degree.

Wetzel may one day become a professor, but she said she wants practical experience first and hopes to continue her interest in international politics.

"There are such great opportunities to make a difference, " she said.