Blog #1 Pre-departure, Goals, and Expectations

In just a few days, the countdown ends, my plane takes off, and the adventure officially begins. On August 31st, I’ll land at Shannon Airport in Ireland, with classes starting shortly after on September 8th.

There will no doubt be highs and lows along the way, but I’m incredibly excited to share this journey with you. Stay tuned for more updates on my Irish adventure!

Last semester, at the end of my pre-departure class, we were challenged to write down our expectations and goals as we prepared for this experience. It was a meaningful way to reflect on what lies ahead—and now, it’s almost here.

Expectations of Myself:

I expect to talk with close friends and family about the ebb and flow of new experiences and being away from the most familiar people and places.

I expect to learn about the Irish culture and how it differs from mine.

Expectations of the Worldstrides Study Abroad Program and the University of Limerick:

I expect the program to communicate with me and share announcements or updates about the excursions.

I expect the program to be prepared at my arrival, provide me with the information I need, and support me in obtaining the necessary credentials for entry.

Apprehensions:

How will the 6-hour time difference affect communications with those back home?

Will this trip be everything I imagined since I started planning in the spring of 2023?

Goals for the Semester:

I want to leave my comfort zone and still be okay being uncomfortable.

I want this experience to enrich my connections with the people at home.

Music has played a significant role in my life. I am a consumer of music, not a composer. It has the power to transport us, to stir memories, and even to lift the soul in praise to the Lord.

The more music you listen to, the more you begin to understand your tastes—what moves and doesn’t. You come to expect a particular style from musicians, and when you press play, you expect a song to play based on the title listed.

For the past two years, ever since the planning began, I’ve been arranging an Irish music playlist—filled with popular tunes, film soundtracks, and personal favorites. As I share this journey with you, I’ll include a link to a song with each post. It might be a track I simply love, or it may connect to a place I’ve visited or a moment from this semester—like today’s selection.

So for now, I’ll leave you with An Irish Blessing…

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

May the rain fall softly on your fields

And until we meet again

May you keep safe

in the gentle loving arms of God.

https://youtu.be/5mtR9qoISPU?si=_Rm8FBxknmeMCPiZ