Living Local

In order to maximize my experience while I'm in Ireland, I would really like to combine some of my personal practices from home with local practices that I integrate into my routine. I have a good running routine at home, and I like to to yoga to center myself at least a couple times a week. I think integrating these little practices into my life there will keep me grounded and give me a sense of place.

As far as living like a local, though, there is so much to do in Belfast. There are tons of shops because it is a pretty urban environment, I'm also really excited to live in a place that has as much character and history as Belfast does. I know that there is a lot of sensitive history to it, but I am really excited to become somewhat a part of that because I've never experienced and learned about strife in that way first hand. Belfast is definitely a cultural hub in many other ways--music, dance and drama play a big part in their lives, as do film and visual arts, literature, architecture and fashion. They also love sport, which I would like to be involved in, though they don't have sports on Belfast campus, they do in the community. They love football, cricket, rugby, hiking, cycling, surfing, and traditional Gaelic sports.

The landscape is also phenomenal, I can't wait to go on hiking trips with my fellow students and admire all the beautiful mountains, lakes, and beaches of Northern Ireland.

The arts are a big part of the culture of Belfast, both in the community and on campus. I could not be more excited to be immersed in this kind of artistic hub. I just want to soak in all the influence, and really grow as a person and as an artist. This is the main local attribute that I want to become like a true local in. There is so much to do and see in Belfast--workshops, galleries, openings. This will be a truly incredible opportunity to experience raw art and talent.

Living in Ireland will be interesting because I will not be living on the Belfast campus, I'll be living at Jordanstown which is about 6 miles away. The commute between campuses will be a cultural experience because I'll have to use the rail or bus. I'm actually kind of excited about this because I'll be able to see and meet a diverse crowd of Irish people, rather than just university students. I like traveling; it gives me time to think.

I would like to be able to travel with friends that I make on campus, both in my classes and through extracurriculars. I know that in Belfast the nightlife is also a big social activity--going to clubs and bars is important in Irish culture. I love dancing and going out, so I'm rather excited for that, though I don't think I'll drink quite as much as my Irish brethren. I just think, ultimately, there is so much to do in Belfast, really anything under the sun. It truly depends on who you align yourself with and what you choose to do. I'd really love to just experience as diverse a collection of moments that I can. I'm really trying to expand my horizons, and I think being in europe will be amazing for that.

Vocation in Ireland

The University of Ulster at Belfast has an extensive design program, much more in-depth than the one offered at Maryville College. There are so many aspects to graphic design (typography, illustration, marketing, kinetic, you name it), and I have genuinely enjoyed each and every one that I have explored. In applying to the University of Ulster Belfast, I hoped to be able to delve even more deeply into different specialized skills so that I will have a more precise idea of what I want to pursue when I graduate. 

I want to study abroad for an entire semester because I want to experience this cultural and artistic immersion. A shorter time wouldn’t be sufficient to truly understand what it’s like to be able to design and live in another country. The University of Ulster Belfast in particular would be an incredible opportunity for me to expand my understanding and appreciation of design. It has many specialized courses in my field of study that are not available to me here at Maryville, such as photographic storytelling, 3D design, illustration, and web design. In addition to these courses, Belfast has a large design community, peers with whom I could collaborate and share ideas in a way similar to how professional designers work. I think working with other like-minded students in a purely creative environment would be beneficial to the development of my personal style.

I really look forward to taking more specialized classes and honing in on what area of design I want to pursue for my professional career. I am so looking forward to my time in Ireland, and everything I will learn while abroad. I will absolutely make the best of my time there, and my subsequent time left in school when I return. I am desperately excited for this opportunity, and I would make put forth my best effort to be a worthwhile investment for Maryville College. 

Culture shock!

I know exactly what it's like to experience culture shock, I feel prepared to deal with it. I went to camp last summer to work as a counselor--it was a big step for me because I was having a really hard time at school and at home, and I kind of lost myself. Deciding to work at Gwynn Valley was an effort to figure myself out and get away from the pressure I was putting on myself. Going to camp, I knew I wasn't in the best mental state to be in charge of kids and meeting an entirely new set of people, but I also knew that I could handle it and that ultimately it would help me.

When I got to camp, I was initially elated; the campus was beautiful, the people were friendly, and I felt I had made the right choice. However, a lot of the counselors were returning and knew each other, already I was on the outskirts. The initial excitement wore off a few days into staff training, and I became miserable. I missed my family, my friends, and my comfortable bed. There was so much to learn and so much to do, and so many people to meet that I just became physically and emotionally exhausted. For a while I struggled there, but eventually I adjusted to life at camp, and became truly happy there. It was the best decision I've ever made. Gwynn Valley emphasizes the fish! philosophy in the everyday lives of campers and staff. The four principles of this are choose your attitude, be present, play, and make their day. By really taking these ideas to heart and practicing them, I was able to adapt well to camp, and I keep them in mind in my everyday life at school too.

The leap to working at a summer camp doesn't really seem like a big one, but at the time it really took me out of my comfort zone, and that was so good for me. That's one of the main reasons I decided to study abroad. I've finished my major requirements, and I could have had an incredibly relaxed senior year, but I wanted to push myself again. I've experienced culture shock more than once, and I know that I can handle it--it's never fun and it happens to almost everyone, but it's not permanent.

A few things that are specific to Ireland that I know will affect me are the different dialect and slang of Northern Ireland and the classroom structure. I'm sure that will be difficult to get used to for a while. I also love warm weather, and I know it will get very cold and wet by the time the semester is over at Ulster. I will be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes and happy thoughts!

What usually helps me when I'm experiencing "culture shock" is keeping in mind that I'm not the only one feeling this way. It's easy to become sad and feel alone in this kind of situation, but there's always someone going through the same things.