It’s unbelievable to think how quickly time has passed in Dublin and at the Dáil Éireann. While I have to go to the workplace in Dublin, it doesn’t mean everything has come easily. One of the most significant things I’ve learned since starting here has been how to communicate more efficiently and professionally, especially in a political setting where tone and clarity are essential. I’ve learned how to word things more directly when needed, while also being respectful and tactful, depending on the situation and the people I’m speaking to.
Being professional is another area where I feel that I have improved. Whether it’s knowing how to behave in a formal work setting or simply learning how to read the room, I have changed how I present myself. I’ve also had to apply myself more, but not just to the work, but to understanding the culture of the workplace here and adjusting to it. The environment can be more relaxed in some ways, but there is still a high expectation of the quality of work. I have learned that you don’t always receive clear instructions, so you’ve to take initiative, trust your judgment, and stay on top of things even when things feel a bit vague.
On the technical side of things, I have picked up some valuable hard skills like how to read policy documents, which is something I had little experience with before. I’ve also gotten better at managing the political schedules, which can be altered without notice. Additionally, I’ve begun to develop a sense of the language used in politics, which is a challenge, but I’m also becoming accustomed to the language used in Irish politics.
As for global competencies that I have acquired, I would say that I have learned how to adjust to a new culture, especially in the workplace, and how to respect differences in communication styles and social norms. I’ve also started to see things from a more global perspective, understanding how Ireland connects with other countries on political and social issues.
So while it hasn’t always been easy, I think I’ve adapted well and gained a lot from the experience so far. Now, I would like to talk about what I have done in the past week. My work week started just like a normal week. However, this past Friday, I had the opportunity to visit Pari, France. I left UCD at 3:30 AM and arrived at the airport just shortly after 4. From there, I went through security and then boarded my flight, departing at 6. Due to the time difference of +1 hour in France, I landed in Paris CDG Airport at 9:30. From there, I left to make it to the city centre, where my first stop was at the historic Notre Dame. The building is truly grand, and the surrounding areas really complement the architecture of Notre Dame. After that, I decided to make my way towards the Eiffel Tower; however, due to a series of delayed trains, it took over an hour to get there instead of the expected 15 minutes. Luckily, I eventually made it to the Eiffel Tower and saw the sheer size of the monument and how much taller it was than anything else in that part of Paris. Then I had a goal to find the Historic Patton Paver bricks below the Eiffel Tower. My father was particularly interested in these paver bricks because they were made just 15 minutes north of where I live in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Sadly, the bricks are no longer there, and the area has been paved over due to the Paris Olympics in 2024. This was done to ensure that the monument could withstand the expected number of tourists in the area.
After attending, I went to an event for which I had booked tickets. One of my favorite artists, Westside Gunn, had an event, and I had the opportunity to go. He and a couple of other artists performed some songs, and I had a great time at the event. By the time the concert was over, it was near midnight, so I went to my hotel room, settled in, and then went to bed. On the second day, I decided to see more of Paris, so I made my way to the Louvre first. The building is massive and has some of the most unique and decorative styles that I have ever seen in a building. After that, I made my way towards the Arc de Triomphe, which I must say I was a little underwhelmed by. Compared to all the other monuments I saw, it was still very lovely, but the least exciting. After another long day, I slept in a hotel room. For my last day in Paris, I decided to visit more parks and places that tourists were less likely to see. In these parks and neighborhoods I visited, I had the opportunity to experience a great deal of French culture and explore many wonderful places. After all that, I made my way back to Paris CDG Airport and then to Dublin.
