This is an exciting and enjoyable prompt.  Later on today, we will be sitting on the runway in the airport in Chicago at the moment before our plane takes off for Ireland.  This is always one of the most memorable and reflective times of a trip to a place that you are looking forward to visiting.

Either in preparation for this moment or looking back on it later, what is going through your mind at the moment before the plane takes off?  What are you most looking forward to doing in Ireland?

Usually right before the plane takes off, I devise a plan of what I’m going to do on the plan. Before entering the plane, I plan an array of activities to occupy my time while in flight. During takeoff, I either fall asleep or begin doing an activity planned. This isn’t usually a sentimental or reflective moment for me, however, that may change during this flight, as it is the first time I will be flying alone. Also, I’m looking forward to the various visits and guest lectures that we have planned, and with site visits to big companies like Microsoft and Google, the experience is sure to be enlightening. I’m also looking forward to the Cliffs of Moher, but I am not looking forward to the four-hour bus ride to get there. Finally, I’m also looking forward to writing the final paper, because it will be my first time completing a group writing assignment of this magnitude. It is sure to be an eventful trip.