In mid-September, I packed up my life, said goodbye to everything and everyone I knew, and boarded a plane for the Emerald Isle. I traded in my Sperry’s for Converse, Target for Penneys, Goldfish for Guinness, and my birthplace for my homeland.

Three months later, I look back on that day as the first day of my life—when I finally realized that it was OK to be confident and yet unsure of yourself at the same time. I learned that sometimes the steps you take with the most trepidation can lead you down exhilarating walks of life. I learned that there’s joy in every little nook and cranny, laughter in the eyes of every child, hope even in the darkest of times, and that people really do still care—about school, life, and other people. There are people out there who still give a crap and are trying to show it each and every day. There are people who want to see, experience, and change the world.

Me? Well I didn’t come here to change the world, and I’ve still got a long ways to go before I start doing anything of the sort. But I did come here to change my world—and oh, how it has changed.

I remember during the first month, I tried to buy a bus ticket online and ended up buying it for a bus stop that didn’t exist for the particular route I was taking. Of course I didn’t find out until I was already there and it was too late. I was lost, confused, and way beyond panicked. I started talking to loads of strangers, frantically asking where the bus station was. I called my mom through WhatsApp after sending a boatload of texts, and I was on the verge of tears. Because I missed a freaking bus. Just thinking about the way I overreacted makes me cringe. In the end, I gathered my belongings and my wits, and headed off to make a bus 30 minutes later that ended up taking more of a direct route anyway. Who knew.

Since that day, I’ve been through quite a journey.

I wandered through a non-English speaking country after dark. Alone.

I got trapped in a Dutch train station when my OV chipkaart wouldn't work and had to figure out my own way out.

I volunteered with children.

I danced in train stations.

I lost my footing on a muddy hill and fell flat on my butt. Twice.

I shared a room with people from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and various other places around the world.

I met people who walked the same streets as me all the way back in Upstate New York.

And I met people who still look at me like I’m crazy for ever leaving New York (guys, I’m not from the city).

I was lucky enough to see one of my favorite bands perform live for the first time.

I went to the police station (the Garda) twice (it’s not what you think).

I FaceTimed with a baby boy in China.

I sang national ballads in unison with a thousand Irish sports fans.

I’ was serenaded in the weirdest of places.

I hopped on the wrong bus and stayed on it all the way until the end.

I used a wand and spells to cross the street.

I had my bag opened and searched in two different airports.

I saw a place where death and hope coincide, and I stood numb where thousands upon thousands of innocent humans lost their ability to stand.

I ran through rainy streets.

I got a bloody nose right as my plane took off down the runway.

I got drunk off bottles of wine and cheap smiles.

I lit a candle in every cathedral I visited.

I was taught the proper way to drink tea.

I was able to visit and meet the family members that I still have here, who blessed and touched me with their warm welcomes and generous hospitality.

I tried my first bit of curry, my first piece of lamb, and my first meal of Chinese food (yup).

I traveled to six different countries and somehow made it back home again every time.

But my favorite part was definitely the people I encountered and the friendships I made. I met the most amazing, incredible, and inspiring people throughout my short trip around this beautiful and crazy country. People who color outside the lines, make up their own rules, and enjoy genuine conversations rather than constant phone communication. People from Ireland, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, America, England—wherever. I have been so humbled and filled with joy from these people. I found parts of myself that I didn’t even know were missing and discovered strengths I never knew were there. You have all filled me with immense joy, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Did anyone really think I’d go abroad? I don’t know. And who cares? It’s none of my business what others think because I knew I could do it. I knew I had to do it. And now, reflecting on this whole experience from the flip side, it’s so hard to put it into words. But I want to try because it meant so much. And if I can maybe convince someone to go on an adventure of their own, then I know this article will have been worth it.

I don’t know if I’ll ever see these places again or if I’ll ever have the funds or time to travel for such a long time. And I don’t even know if I’ll ever see some of these people again. But I do know three things, and they are as follows.

I have felt more love, happiness, and blessings in these past three months than some people experience in a lifetime.

I am certainly not the same girl who left American soil all those months ago.

And Maya Angelou was right—people will forget what you say, and they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Ireland—I will never, ever forget this feeling. And I’m feeling pretty freaking grand right now.