“How do I get myself back to Dingle?” This question has haunted me for the past year, ever since my trip with the Claddagh Dancers last spring. After a visit full of laughter, music, dancing, and loads of craic, I knew that before my time at Sacred Heart University was through, I would have to find my way back to Dingle.
Last fall, after attending a study abroad session, I decided to meet with my academic advisor to entertain the possibility of spending a semester in Dingle. Walking into that meeting, I knew that while I was certainly interested in going abroad, this was a dream for the future: little did I know that thanks to my high school credits, this future was fast approaching. To make a long story short, my advisor told me that it was now or never, and with the application deadline racing into view, I knew I had an important decision to make.
When applying to Sacred Heart, the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland and continue my love for Irish dancing were undeniable factors in my choice. Last year, as I have already mentioned, those two passions collided as I was able to visit Dingle while on spring break with the Claddagh dance team. It may sound cliche, but this trip was truly one of the most influential experiences of my life. Nothing compares to the feeling of dancing to live Irish music in an authentic Irish pub! This trip allowed me to experience Irish culture with a group of girls who cared about it as much as I did. From the moment we returned to campus, I could not get the memories of this incredible adventure out of my head.
Now, with the weight of my impending decision looming heavily on my mind, I found the choice more difficult than I had imagined it would be. I grew up in Milford, Conn., a quick 15-minute drive on the Merritt Parkway from SHU: I had never really had the classic college experience of leaving home. While I had often thought of Ireland as my “home away from home,” the distance between the two seemed far more intimidating than I had always pictured. While the thought of leaving my friends and family seemed nearly impossible, I knew that I owed it to myself to give myself this once- in-a-lifetime experience, no matter how scary it seemed.
Fast forward five months later, and I have just finished the first month of my semester abroad in Dingle. Since being here, I have not only explored the countless pubs, experienced the breathtaking views from Connor’s Pass, and held a baby lamb, but I have also been able to explore other countries like Scotland and, soon, England.
I also plan on visiting Spain, France, Italy, and Austria during my time
abroad. If you were to ask any one of my friends or family if they knew I would have gone to study in Ireland, they would have responded with a resounding “Yes!” However, if you had asked me five months ago, I would not have been as confident.
To anyone thinking of going abroad, please learn from my experience. Go talk to your advisors and learn more about the incredible opportunities SHU has to offer. Go explore.
