I’m Actually Leaving…

Wow, as I write this I’m sitting at home about to leave for the airport where I’ll be taking off from the United States and landing in Dublin, Ireland. This whole process has been so much work, and now it’s finally time to leave.

Wow.

There is a lot of nervous excitement at the moment. Nervous because this is the first time I’ll be traveling by myself, but excited for the adventure ahead. Nervous I won’t be close to family, but excited to make new friends. Nervous I won’t have my mom’s cooking, but excited potatoes are a popular dish in Ireland! (Fun fact: I was eating mashed potatoes before I wrote this)

I also want to take some time to thank many people for their support during this entire headache of an application process.

Thank you to my friends at home and school for your support. I’m going to miss you all so much and can’t wait to see you when I get back this winter!

Thank you to my family, for I didn’t know how many of you had actually been to the Motherland before (although I did have an idea). Thank you for all the suggestions and advice along the way, I will make sure to send you all pictures of the country!

Thank you to my parents, even though I am sitting across from you at the moment and should probably thank you in person I will make sure I do it here as well. You two are my biggest fans and I don’t know if I could have done this trip without your advice and support. Much love to you both!

Lastly, I’ve been reflecting on my decision to travel for a while. I remember being in middle school and wanting to go to Ireland so badly, I did hours and hours of research only to be told to wait. I’m happy I waited until now, and I wish I could tell little me that it was all worth the wait.

I am so very excited to board my flight tonight and make my way to Maynooth University. Next time you hear from me, I’ll be in Ireland! Wish me luck!