Growth is a constant

Hello from Ireland!

As I have progressed through this these past two months of adventures, I feel I have changed in subtle, positive ways. There are things about myself that I have learned to love as I have navigated studying abroad and leaving my home country for the first time. I am a person who does a lot of self reflection. I journal in my notes app, meditate when I have time, and love my weekly check-ins with myself. I wanted to share a few of the changes I’ve noticed in the hopes that it encourages other people to step outside their comfort zone. 

1. I am much more confident in myself and my identity. There is something intrinsically unique about living outside of your home country with a bunch of strangers. Back at Linfield, I was very comfortable in my routine and my friend group, and I didn’t really tend to branch out, since what I knew was comforting.

   However, those friends and routine are not here in Ireland. When I first arrived here it felt a lot like freshman year. I felt awkward, and so nervous to meet new people and learn how to live with different people, that I was constantly thinking about how other people were perceiving me. It was exhausting! I feel very lucky to have landed in the apartment that I have with some of the most wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. We are constantly adventuring, chatting, pushing limits, and overall challenging each other to really take in our study abroad experience. Not to say that I don’t miss my friends back home. I DO. I can’t wait to reunite with them this summer and catch them up on all the experiences I’ve had while here! I’m excited to show them how much I have grown into myself and how comfortable I am in simply being myself without the fear of others judging me.    

   

2. I’ve learned my limits on social interaction. I am an incredibly social person. I love meeting people, going out to the pubs, listening to music, and talking about my day. Sometimes though, I need my space. I have gotten so much more skilled at communicating when I need a moment, or what someone else can do to help me be comfortable. This is a skill that you really do need when you’re studying abroad.

   There are endless opportunities to go on weekend trips, parties, and explorations, and the FOMO (fear of missing out) is very strong when you turn something down. When I was leaving the country, I was given the advice to “never say no to an adventure.” I have found this to be true to an extent. There have been times where I just want to lay in bed watching Derry Girls and not talk to anyone, but my roommates are asking if I want to see a landmark like the Cliffs of Moher. Nine times out of ten, I’m going to push myself to go and have the adventure and nine times out of ten, I am so grateful and happy that I went. There are times where I instead stay home, but when it means that I am enjoying time to myself and allowing myself to have space, it’s a healthy habit to practice. Knowing yourself and your limits is part of growing up, and despite what many think, you are still growing in college!

   

3. The people are so friendly in Ireland!  If you travel to Ireland (especially Galway) and only have time for one or two nights exploring the town, talk to people. People will approach you and ask if you’re studying there, or if you’re on holiday (vacation). Some of the most fascinating and meaningful interactions I have had here are random people at the pub!

   

I feel like I’m always smiling here. I will carry the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met, close to my heart for many years to come.

In short, Carpe Diem! Seize the day, and look for the small adventures around you every day. Until next time! Keep an eye out for an update on St. Patrick’s weekend!

Off on my next adventure,
Abigael LaBuhn