Writing this post on what feels like an especially turbulent day, I find myself reflecting on the experience of being an American living abroad during such a charged time. Since the election results were announced this morning, I’ve seen countless peers in the U.S. expressing a desire to leave a country that ‘no longer represents their hopes, dreams, or values’ (words from an internist and pediatrician that I worked with in Massachusetts, who has been providing crucial medical care to unhoused and immigrant communities). Friends have even been messaging me—half-jokingly, half-seriously—about exploring immigration options to move to Ireland.
It is a unique privilege to be in a city where the weight of the election results isn’t fully palpable. Eight years ago, when Trump won, I remember the profound silence that blanketed campus after students stayed up late, hoping to celebrate America’s first woman president. This morning, I woke to sunlight streaming into my room—a rare and welcome gift after a week of constant clouds.
I don’t know if my right to marry my partner will be protected in the future, whether performing certain medical procedures might put my nursing license at risk, or if the foundation of my citizenship will one day be questioned. While the uncertainty of the future is daunting, I wanted to revisit the beautiful experiences and people I’ve encountered in Ireland, through a list.
Though it has only been two months, I know this list of tiny joys will continue to grow far beyond the length of my program and into wherever my career takes me. And who knows? Like many Mitchell Scholars before me, perhaps it will take me back to this beautiful Island. I certainly wouldn’t mind.
- I recently had my first day as a Project Worker at Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), where I will be working at Ireland’s inaugural safe injection facility (SIF), which seeks to address the overdose crisis. The SIF is slated to open in mid-December and the team’s enthusiasm is infectious. In my essay for the Mitchell application, I wrote about wanting to work at MQI. Being offered a job was a pinch-me moment.
- I’ve visited the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher twice already and can’t wait to return.
- Saoirse and Eliza, two classmates from my Addiction Recovery course, are my newest lovely friends.
- Bambino’s pizza reminds me of home (NYC) and of my dog (Bambina).
- Despite my hour-long commute to class, I’m rewarded each day with the sight of swans along the Luas route.
- Living in a dorm again for the first time in 5 years has been surprisingly enjoyable. Sharing close quarters with three fellow Mitchell Scholars—Anna, Coleman, and Owen—has rekindled the simple joy of living near friends.
- Got my first American traditional tattoo at the Dublin tattoo convention.
- Had my first laser tattoo removal treatment a few days later (for a separate tattoo).
- Started learning Irish – Dia duit! Agus go raibh maith for reading this far.
- Got to see deer up-close at Phoenix Park.
- Celebrated Halloween in Derry, which included visiting two museums, going to the beach, and enjoying a fireworks show. Kiera and I’s hotel room overlooked a field with cows — a sight we looked forward to every morning.
- Despite bringing my kindle with me, I have already bought five books from local bookshops and have no plans to stop.
- Started volunteering with St. John Ambulance and met some fellow international nurses.
- Discovered a talented artist at BlackRock Market who crafted a hand-knit sweater for my dog.
- Tried the famous Xian Street Food spice bag, and was not disappointed.
- Hosted my cousin and my partner, and I look forward to welcoming more friends and family to my new home.