Tag Archives: Mitchell Scholars Class of 2012

Contradicting Myself

Almost halfway through.   One would think that at this point in my Mitchell year I would have a firm grasp on identity processes and divisions in Belfast.  The opposite is true. On this very blog, I wrote that the … Continue reading

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Base of the Fifth Metatarsal

Today I write to you about the base of the Fifth Metatarsal. No, unfortunately not an exotic European mountain range, but the location of a broken bone in my foot! A week before Christmas, while taking out the trash, I … Continue reading

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Settling In

This month I will begin semester two of the Mitchell Scholar year. All continues to go well academically and professionally. I began working with the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM) last month and everyday I’m learning more about … Continue reading

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Belfast: Part 2

For the first time this year, I spent the holiday season away from home.  And though I missed Wisconsin (a place often known to my Belfast friends only as the setting of “That ’70s Show”), it was a true delight … Continue reading

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Having the Craic

Sheep: these cute, fluffy (arguably much softer in my imagination than in reality), rather nonchalant animals welcomed me to Ireland when I arrived with my family in August to see the sites before I settled into Trinity to begin my … Continue reading

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Wells of Oil, Pots of Gold

A chara, My winter holidays are kicking off earlier than those of the other Scholars. I’m currently enjoying an overnight layover in London (complete with shortbread shaped like Scottie dogs and an enchanting night at the circus). This time tomorrow … Continue reading

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Belfast: Part 1

My time in Northern Ireland has been a series of pleasant surprises. It began when I boarded my flight to Belfast, a bit nervous, having not traveled abroad for the better part of a decade. I was excited not only … Continue reading

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Life in Belfast

Living and studying in Belfast is proving to be an amazing educational and formative experience. Prior to this year, I had only been outside the United States once for a few days so I am very thankful for the opportunity … Continue reading

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Luck

I’ve only been in Ireland now for about two and a half months, but I’m starting to appreciate the laid-back modus operandi here. When asked by a lecturer to give a typical Irish saying that describes the culture, my fellow … 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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Mitchell Experience: Reflection 1

When I first arrived in Belfast the climate and the landscape met my expectations—it was cold and drizzling rain with beautiful hills and valleys as far as the eye could see. I thought I would be alone for the first … Continue reading

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Gora Mila Maith Agat

“When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.”  — Sam Lefkowitz Today is Thanksgiving! Now, for somewhat obvious reasons, Thanksgiving is not a holiday that is celebrated … Continue reading

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