Studying abroad in Ireland was one of the best experiences I’ve had in college so far. I knew I’d learn a lot from being in a new country, but I didn’t expect to grow so much personally and make such strong connections with people in such a short amount of time.
One of the biggest things I took away from the trip was how important it is to build relationships. The Interactive Media major at MTSU is pretty small, and before this trip, I didn’t know many people in it. But after spending two weeks traveling, eating, and exploring with everyone, I feel a lot more connected. Now I’m excited for classes in the fall because I’ll walk in already knowing classmates, and not just on a surface level.
I also really enjoyed getting to know our professor. I used to be intimidated to ask questions in class, but seeing him in a more relaxed environment and learning about him reminded me that professors are just people too. Now I feel way more comfortable speaking up and getting help when I need it.
What surprised me most about the trip was how quickly I adapted to everything. I’m usually someone who likes to plan and feel prepared, but in Ireland, not everything went as planned and that’s okay. My connecting flight to Ireland got delayed and I began stressing that I would not make it and become stranded in Dulles, but thankfully I made it.
Once in Ireland, it was hard to make plans with the group because everyone was okay to go with the flow, but I thrive off of planning. After a couple of days, I realized that there is no need to stress about things and I learned how to let life come as it is. I even handled small challenges, like when I needed alone time to reset. I spent the entire day in my room and I loved it and did not feel bad about it.
One thing that stuck with me was how passionate the professionals we met were. They weren’t just working jobs. They were doing work that mattered to them and their communities. That really inspired me to think more about what kind of impact I want to have with my own career. I used to feel unsure about where my degree would take me, but now I feel excited about the possibilities.
Since coming home, I’ve been thinking a lot about studying abroad again or looking into internships abroad. Ireland reminded me that the world is a lot bigger than Tennessee and that there’s so much out there to learn and explore.
I miss the beautiful scenery in Ireland. It seriously looked like a postcard. I miss strolling around in the city and looking at the beautiful architecture. I also miss Supermacs. The food was so good! I do not miss the taste of the soft drinks over there though.
Ireland changed how I see myself and what I want out of life, and I’m so grateful for the experience. I came back more confident, open-minded, and ready for whatever comes next.
