Studying abroad is that super awesome thing you heard about in high school and that all of your older friends were doing. You couldn't wait to see exotic places and be submerged in the culture. Then, you went to college, and after a full year of parties, classes, ups, downs and more fun than you ever imagined, you get the email. It's the email that tells you that you are now eligible to apply for study abroad.

I ignored those emails, Facebook posts and boards around campus. I wasn't really focused on it. Then, one of my best friends went to Paris and London and my desire to go was instantly lit. I began to look into the programs. Then, life happened and I put it off. After my second year and hearing about this amazing opportunity to work with the special population in Ireland for three weeks in a 90 hour practicum, I was thrilled. My then professor, and now advisor, runs a trip every year to Sligo, Ireland to work with individuals with special needs. I was too late to apply for 2015 but I was determined to go in 2016. She explained the happiness of all on the trip and the work they do while there. I was so set on going. So, I got all of the information and applied and was accepted in January of 2016 after waiting a few long weeks.

I spent a semester preparing to go to Ireland. I was overwhelmed with excitement. I packed, unpacked and repacked a million times. The trip seemed forever away and then it was finally May. I packed my bags, said goodbye and left for Ireland for three weeks.

Yes, I was scared to leave the country for the first time. Yes, I was scared to leave my family for so long. Yes, I was going to miss a lot of milestones at home, like the birth of my first niece, but I knew it would be okay. I felt it and my mom reassured me.

These past three weeks made me realize a lot about myself. I've learned five main things about myself:

1. I love Ireland.

2. I cannot wait to travel abroad with my family and bring them here.

3. Any uncertainty that I had before about working with individuals with special needs is forever gone and I cannot wait to do this for my career.

4. I'm utterly in love with Irish accents forever.

5. The Irish value life so much. Everyone here has a purpose and contributes to society. Everyone is important.

This trip showed me love, happiness and has opened me to so many new experiences. When you apply they ask you why you want to come and you put something about living life. I can say that I've lived my life fuller since I've been here. I was placed at Rehab Care Sligo and the guys here have taught me more about living life than I've learned in 20 years. I cannot wait to come back but for now, I'm happy to be home. Thank you for the experience, Carlow University, and thank you, Ireland, for the beauty.