As my time here in Dublin is winding down, I wanted to take a step back and think about everything I’ve accomplished. I got to visit amazing sights such as the Giant’s Causeway and Guinness Lake, I got to see a stage production being developed from start to finish, and I got to meet some amazing people. I’ve been all around Dublin and Ireland, and even Europe, and I’ve had more adventures than I could count. But most importantly, I made a leap in coming here, and that leap has more than paid off.

When I left the US I was unsure of my choice—I was scared and nervous and starting to regret my choice to leave the continent for the entire summer. But now looking back, I had nothing to be afraid of. In such a short amount of time I’ve gained so much confidence and independence, and that’s something I never would have learned by staying at home. While my internship here was a little unorthodox and I may not have gained office skills, I’ve been able to learn so much about myself, and to me that is invaluable.

I’m sad to be leaving this beautiful place, but I know that I’ll be back again some day because Ireland is now a part of me, and hopefully, by leaving my mark here, I am a part of it.