Category Archives: Irish University

Friendships

When I moved to Ireland I had been told of how welcoming and friendly the Irish were. Despite this glowing reputation, I had concerns as anyone might have about being able to develop close friendships with such a dramatic move … Continue reading

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have your tea biscuits and eat them too

As I was tumbling from a pier in Howth, I felt as though I had a lifetime to think about feathers. Bird feathers and bowling balls because in a vacuum they fall at the same rate, at the exact same … Continue reading

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Blessings on blessings

I’ve always thought that being mindful of one’s blessings reaps rewards for mental health and spirit. Finding ways to be thankful brings assurance and perspective to testy times and can help a person recognize – even maximize –unique opportunities whenever … Continue reading

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Normalized No More: Gaining Perspective from Irish Prisons

The first time I stepped foot on Rikers Island, New York’s main jail complex, was in 2012 for a college course. I was struck by the long bridge, big fences, high walls, and sharp barbed wire. The old, run-down buildings, … Continue reading

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Diplomacy – the Irish way

As I approach the midpoint of my year in Ireland, I am both surprised how fast the first half went by and looking forward to all that is to come in 2018. The “homestretch” of last semester saw me mostly … Continue reading

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Silent “M”s and Silent Nights: an Ode to “oments”

“Where are my international students?” Unable to escape the subsequent prodding and nudging by the giggling sopranos around me, I warily raise my hand. The director turns his attention to it, unfortunately and apparently the only hand in the room. … Continue reading

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How does humanity express hope

I am now approaching the end of my fifth month in Dublin and I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone. It feels like just yesterday that I got on a plane to fly to Ireland for the … Continue reading

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Viewpoints

It’s said that “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and five months into living in Ireland, that is becoming more apparent to me every day. One of the most enjoyable parts of studying public policy at UCD is the … Continue reading

Posted in Development, Housing in Ireland, Travels in Europe, Uncategorized, University College Dublin | Leave a comment

Out and Proud in Ireland’s LGBT+ Community

Two months ago, I moved to Dublin from the greater New York City area and have been thoroughly enjoying settling in to my residence at UCD. I walked out early one morning from my apartment to a full rainbow across … Continue reading

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Simplicity: Accepting Ireland’s Charge

Sea-soaked air settled into my lungs as I disembarked my bus to the unfamiliar din of chatter; I am definitely not in Kansas anymore. Groan-worthy clichés aside, Cork – Ireland’s second-largest city at 119,230 residents – is more densely inhabited … Continue reading

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Change

Ireland has been a place lately defined by dramatic change. The change brought by surging wealth developed during the Celtic Tiger years, when the country catapulted from one of the economic under-performers of Europe to the shining star that countries … Continue reading

Posted in Development, Housing in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Travels on the Island, University College Dublin | Leave a comment

Meeting the Road

I used to run in Haiti under a sun made of fire. As I would pass along the road, a flurry of bare feet, brown eyes, and small arms would emerge from the frames of palm-thatched houses. Although their legs … Continue reading

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