Time for Reflection

This past week marked the half way point of my program, and to say that feels surreal is an understatement. In the past week, I've had to do a lot of reflection as I prepared for my meeting with my BU advisor and started to work on creating a symbol meant to represent my study abroad experience. It is odd to think that I am reflecting on an experience that is ongoing, especially since I believe the best is yet to come. Katie, my roommate (and also my "mum"), was helping me brainstorm symbols and she pointed out that my experience has really been about exploration, but also largely shaped by the people that I have met.

I could not agree more. I believe that everyone's abroad experience is unique, but I think one thing that study abroad students struggle with is really integrating themselves into the country where we are living. I think we get caught up in running off to the next country and planning our next weekend trip that we forget to slow it down. We forgot to really get to know the country we are studying abroad in.

This is where my study abroad experience is unique, because some of my closest friends here are Irish students. I have been fortunate to meet and get to know locals and students that come from all different parts of Ireland.

 

I'm not going to say it was easy; I will be the first to admit that I was called the Yank Mate a few times, but creating these relationships has made my experience a million times better. Before studying abroad, I viewed relationships as only valuable if they were long-term. I see now that relationships are meaningful and significant no matter how long the duration, but I would like to believe the friendships I have developed here will last a lifetime.

When I think about leaving Ireland--and I know Mom and Dad that I do have to come home in August--I know that it will feel like I'm leaving a part of my heart behind. That sounds dramatic, but this country has stolen a part of me. I never understood when people said they felt connected to a place until now. This island has mystified me and is a place that will always feel like home, as Ireland provides me with a feeling that only home can give.

I'm just going to take a second to give a shout out to my favorite Irish people. Thank you Emily for checking in on me after the Brussels attack. It was so thoughtful and you quickly became one of my favorite Irish people. Thank you John and Katie for being the best study abroad parents a girl could ask for, and for putting up with your 'daughter' even when I am running around like I have my head chopped off.  Keith, you asked for a shout out so here it is! Thank you for being a good friend and for picking me as your favorite American--that better be true.

Until tomorrow's adventure,
Hannah