Dear Irish Dance,

I never thought I’d be at that point in my life where you become a distant memory. Sure, I still find the time to dance with my college team, I shamelessly listen to an 8-minute hornpipe once in a while, and I never miss the chance to dance when I’m alone in my room (and honestly, that will never change).

But I have come to realize that you are now part of my past. My last Oireachtas was three years ago, I can barely do a front click past my waist, and all my t-shirts are compiled into a quilt. As bitter as I am that my 12 years of practices, feisanna, and dresses are long gone, I have come to realize that the important parts of you will never leave. So as a self-accepted, retired Irish dancer, I am ready to thank you for the life-long lessons you have given me.

You taught me that winning isn’t everything. Some of my best dance memories were times of success -- moving up to the next level, receiving that unexpected recall, and hoisting that globe up into the air (shout out to the Green Team). But I will also never forget the times when things didn’t go my way. I have learned the world is not full of “wins.” You don’t always get the grade you deserve or the job you want. Thank you for teaching me to cherish the successes, deal with the disappointments, and most importantly, not let the bad times keep me down.

You taught me how to take criticism. Irish dance, I love you, but you sure made me beat myself up sometimes. Whether it came from teachers, adjudicators or myself, criticisms were always flooding my mind. I have now come to understand that the world is full of comments, corrections and critiques and I don’t think I would be ready to take them on if it weren’t for you. So to my amazing teachers, honorable judges and my judgmental self, thank you for making me stronger and helping me realize criticisms will only make me better.

You taught me the importance of self-confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I loved all the dresses, sparkles and makeup that came along with dancing (and I’ll admit, there are times when I miss putting on that wig). But if there’s one thing you taught me, it’s that I have to believe in myself. As I move on, I know that I have to stand tall (with my eyes up, of course), point my foot forward, and attack this grand stage of life with confidence.

And finally, you taught me the value of hard work. I put a lot of time into you, but it's clear that I got a lot in return.

Thanks for sticking around.