Celine Choi, COL ’25, College Station, TX
This summer, I had the privilege of working at CHILD USA, the leading nonprofit think tank dedicated to children’s rights. Under the mentorship of my constitutional law professor, Marci Hamilton—whose career I’ve long admired—I gained invaluable insights into the intersection of law, research, and advocacy in a field that deeply resonates with me.
CHILD USA is unlike any organization I’ve encountered. It combines rigorous social science research with legal advocacy to protect children from abuse and ensure their rights are upheld. The organization delves into the nuances of children’s rights, from understanding the intricacies of child abuse and child sex abuse to advocating for legal reforms that make a real difference. This dual approach is what makes CHILD USA so effective and influential.
One of the standout aspects of my work was witnessing CHILD USA’s sprawling reach and expertise. The organization is a global expert on children’s rights, with a focus that spans from the right to education to leading the charge on statute of limitations reform. Their influence is felt in the courtroom, in state legislatures, and in the public sphere, where they tirelessly push for the protection of children. For example, CHILD USA is a leading consultant in bankruptcy reform in cases involving institutional child abuse, ensuring that justice is served even when powerful organizations are involved.
Throughout the summer, I saw firsthand the widespread political, cultural, and legal importance of CHILD USA. The organization is an indispensable consultant at the forefront of the most pressing issues affecting children today. It has successfully put pressure on powerful institutions, from the Catholic dioceses to U.S. Gymnastics and the Boy Scouts, holding them accountable for their roles in perpetuating abuse. By informing the future of the law and institutional policies, CHILD USA is shaping a safer world for children.
My role this summer involved creating materials to help CHILD USA communicate its mission and achievements to the general public. One of my key projects was writing the annual report, which summarized the organization’s accomplishments and highlighted the ongoing issues CHILD USA is combating. This task allowed me to immerse myself in the research and legal battles surrounding children’s rights, giving me a deeper understanding of the challenges and victories in this critical field.
Working at the intersection of research studies and legal cases involving children’s rights was not only professionally gratifying but also personally significant. Being part of an organization that is making such a tangible difference in the lives of children was incredibly fulfilling. The experience has been a defining moment in my journey, and I am excited to see how I can continue to support the vital work of protecting children’s rights in the future.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
