Category Archives: University College Dublin

Abortion: A Change in Ireland and in Myself

On October 28, 2012, the devastating death of Savita Halappanavar at University Hospital Galway led to a nationwide protest in Ireland and a revaluation of women’s reproductive rights in Ireland. Savita was a 31-year-old dentist, who had been starting a planned family … Continue reading

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O’Bama: Election Season Away from Home

As a former volunteer for the Obama campaign, I felt as though I was neglecting my political duties by being away from the US during prime election season. But within my first hour on the island of Ireland, I had … Continue reading

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Business School

As I sit down to write, Post-Tropical Storm Sandy (formerly known as Tropical Storm Sandy, formerly known as Hurricane Sandy) spits its last bits of wind and water across the Eastern Seaboard of the US.  For the first time since … Continue reading

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Global Learning

In January, I attended the Ireland United States Alumni Association’s inaugural conference.  Impressively, every panel of the day included top names in Irish business, education, art, and culture, such as the general secretary of the Department of Education, the chief executive … Continue reading

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Men in Kilts!

This time, I have a funny story to share—a brief glimpse into life at my student residence. While I won’t say it is one of my happiest memories in Ireland, it is certainly one of the most outrageous and has … Continue reading

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Bloomsday! Dublin, Books, and Home

As I look around my small UCD student residence—a different room in a different building, after moving at the official end of the semester to summer housing—I’m struck by the fact that this year, no matter how momentous it has … Continue reading

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Nearing the Halfway Mark

I’ve been back in Dublin for two and a half weeks now, after a very good and lengthy visit with my family and friends back in West Virginia. Finals went very well, provisional grades have been released, and this semester’s … Continue reading

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Theorizing Ireland

Unfortunately, I must admit that I am not, by my very nature, an optimist. I am instead the cliché “realist.” I worry too much, plan too much, stress too much and think too much for optimism to settle deep within … Continue reading

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Until Next Time

It is over now: a year of developing close relationships, meeting new people, humanizing a country and culture to best of my abilities, and living-learning at a different academic institution.  Towards the conclusion of any program, I tend to mentally … Continue reading

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Surfing in Lahinch

I never understood why so many people loved surfing until last month. Growing up without access to an ocean, I went through the obligatory middle school phase of purchasing my first skateboard, riding around, and jumping off and onto sidewalks. … Continue reading

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Dublin Marine Corps Ball

I am in disbelief that more than half of my Mitchell year has already passed. Apart from a calm and snowy two week period in December, time spent on course work, with new friends, and with Mitchell Scholars has kept … Continue reading

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Dublin Marathon

Early in the morning on October 25th, I hopped into a taxi and rode towards St. Stephen’s Green to see hundreds of runners gravitate towards Merrion Square Park, the location for both the beginning and end of Dublin’s annual marathon. … Continue reading

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