From Dixie to Dublin: Enlightened Encouragement

So, there's a couple of things I've realized since living in Dublin. (BEWARE: may seem kind of cheesy)

One. I've definitely learned more about myself than I ever would have imagined.... not being sentimental or anything-- but think about what it would feel like to move to a different country, thousands of miles away, where you know no one, where you can't simply pick up the phone to call friends or family, it's six hours ahead to you're waking up when your family/friends are going to bed, and you don't even have the comfortability of laying on the couch and watching your favorite TV shows! It's very challenging, but self enlightening all at the same time. You figure out ways to entertain yourself, ways to pass the time, and I've learned so much from just exploring around. Through this self reflection process, the biggest thing I've realized is you can't be afraid of doing things that are uncomfortable to you. By this I mean, don't be afraid of change or doing things out of the ordinary or even going places you've never been to! I'm incredibly blessed I had parents who always encouraged mine and my brother's passions. Because of their encouragement and support is why I truly believe I was able to muster up enough courage to venture out to Ireland on my own.

Two. We (Americans) should really be lucky at the wonderful government and opportunities we are granted solely because of our citizenship. I know everyone constantly complains and finds fault in the government. When you step back and look at it collectively though, it's a pretty great system. Especially in comparison to thousands of other countries. It's like everyone over here has a life long goal to visit America at least once. After talking to Dany (my Brazilian roommate), she explained to me how it's always been her lifelong dream to study in America. She wasn't able to get the correct type of Visa, so she can't. She's only allowed to visit on vacation which is limited to two weeks. I guess we always focus on the amount of people in the States who are there illegally, but don't recognize how hard it is for people to visit the States legally. For example, one of the teachers at school, her boyfriend overstayed his Visa by a couple days. Therefor, he is not allowed to come back to America for three years... and that's after going to the US Embassy in Dublin and apologizing to the board-- CRAZY! We take the opportunity and ease of traveling for granted just because we are labeled as "American". We should be thankful we even have this privilege!

Three. I like warm weather. I like warm weather. I like warm weather. I really like warm weather. I really, really, like warm weather. I love warm weather..... do I need to say it again?!! As much as I love the people and community here, it would be 10x better if it weren't freezing, wet, and windy all the time! Brrrrr!

Anyway! Going back to my realization of how lucky Americans are that we can travel so around easily.... I'm going to Paris on Saturday!!!! Our midterm break starts Saturday, so we have a week off! I am so excited you have no idea! Then I'm going to London to meet HL and Gavin! I get to see familiar faces!! I can't wait to see them! I will post a ton of pictures!

Also, shout out to Momma, Daddy, and Aunt Christie! They sent me lovely packages!