Category Archives: Class of 2010

November 2009 Reflection

Island of Enchantment, Celtic Paradise, Emerald Isle—Stab City? Limerick, Ireland, has had this stigmatism stamped upon its streets since the 1980’s when 75 percent of homicides were committed with a knife. Though I have yet to confirm the reports, some … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, University of Limerick | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

The first evening I visited Dublin, I went to a small local pub and asked for a pint of Guinness. Having never asked for one before, I foolishly took the pint away before the requisite second pour. When I sat … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, Trinity College Dublin | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

Green has been my favorite since I first learned the difference between colors. Most of my wardrobe is green, my main form of transport in the States is a green road bike, and even the background for my email is … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, National University of Ireland Maynooth | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

You know you are acclimating to Belfast culture when you find yourself in Primark trying to decide which shade of “denim” leggings go best with your new plaid shirt. This is the beginning of a love affair. I often tell … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, Queen's University Belfast | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

A little over a year ago, as I put the final touches on my application for the Mitchell Scholarship, I spent a night reading through scholar reflections from years past. I can’t tell you exactly what I was looking for … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, University College Dublin | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

I have a thing for birds. Last year, while living in Uganda, I became obsessed with identifying every weaver, hornbill, and crane that crossed my path. And although the birding is a bit less thrilling here in Ireland, I swoon … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, National University of Ireland Galway | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

It has become a weekly ritual. I put my huge black backpack down on the table, and she looks up and says “Hi, love?” We both know what will happen next. I will gather 4 pounds of apples, 2 pounds … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, National University of Ireland Galway, Queen's University Belfast | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

Cork’s charm comes through even after a trans-Atlantic red-eye. Circumscribing the entire city is classic Irish countryside, and the River Lee meanders through metropolitan Cork, separating the hilly northside from the relatively planar south. The storefronts are almost invariably handsome … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, University College Cork | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

Where are you from? I heard the question repeated time and again. I could feel that each strangely accented word leaving my mouth sent ripples across the Trinity cobblestones screaming, “American! I’m American!” “I’m from Boston,” I replied. Spending one … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, Trinity College Dublin | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

November 2009 Reflection

Due to a hurricane that was spinning its way up the East Coast, the Newark airport personnel assigned me to an earlier flight that was only minutes away from boarding. The problem, however, was that I had just checked in … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, National University of Ireland Galway | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on November 2009 Reflection

January 2009 Reflection

Ireland came to a standstill last week, and Cork was no exception despite being on the southern tip of the island. This country has struggled through a national famine, centuries of oppression, and in the face of every major challenge … Continue reading

Posted in Class of 2010, University College Cork | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on January 2009 Reflection