My third week in Dublin started strong. I was getting the hang of things at my internship and becoming closer with my coworkers. A few days into the week, however, I got sick. I expected this to happen eventually, mainly because my body was adjusting to a completely new environment and routine. While it was frustrating, I knew the best thing I could do was rest and recover. During that time, I had the opportunity to reflect on my experience in Ireland so far and think about how quickly my time here is passing.
Being sick was discouraging because I felt like I was missing out on opportunities to explore and spend time with friends. However, there was a silver lining. The experience made me realize just how much I love being here. Even while resting, all I wanted to do was get back outside and experience more of Ireland. So far, every experience has exceeded my expectations, and being temporarily sidelined only made me appreciate my time here even more.
It also reminded me that time moves quickly. The world does not stop because I am tired, busy, or not feeling my best. As a result, I made a promise to myself to make the most of every day I have left in Ireland. Whether it is trying something new, exploring a different area, or simply taking a walk around the city, I want to take advantage of every opportunity.
As soon as I started feeling better on Friday, I put that mindset into action and set off to explore on my own. My first stop was the Dublin Zoo, which turned out to be an amazing experience. It was a quiet day, so it felt like I had much of the zoo to myself. While there were plenty of fascinating animals, the highlight was undoubtedly the Aye-Ayes.
Before this trip, I had never heard of an Aye-Aye. This nocturnal lemur has a unique appearance that is both slightly unsettling and strangely adorable at the same time. To see them, visitors enter a special building that is kept almost completely dark. Everyone is asked to remain quiet because the animals are easily startled. The enclosure was illuminated by dim red lighting, so spotting them required patience. Once I finally saw one moving through the enclosure, I was amazed. It was easily one of the most memorable animals I have ever seen.
After leaving the zoo, I spent some time walking through Phoenix Park. I admittedly underestimated it before arriving. Once I started exploring, I was shocked by its size. I walked for nearly 45 minutes and still felt as though I had only seen a small portion of the park. Along the way, I enjoyed beautiful scenery, including streams, large open fields, and distant mountain views. I definitely plan on returning so I can explore more of it.
Following my walk, I headed into the city centre for some food. I enjoyed a delicious slice of pizza followed by a gourmet donut for dessert. It was a simple way to end the day, but after being sick earlier in the week, it felt great to be back out enjoying the city again.
Saturday brought another memorable experience. Along with some fellow Pitt students, I finally got the chance to do something I had wanted to try since arriving in Ireland: cliff jumping. “Cliff” might be a slight exaggeration, but it sounds cooler that way.
We went to the Forty Foot; a historic swimming spot located along Dublin Bay. After a scenic walk, we arrived to find the area packed with people. Since I was still recovering from being sick, I hesitated before jumping in. Part of me worried about making myself feel worse, but another part knew I would regret not taking the opportunity.
The water was freezing, exactly as everyone had warned me, but it was also incredibly refreshing. Before trying it, I had asked several locals how cold the water was, and many of them said it does not matter because it feels so warm when you get out. At the time, I thought they were exaggerating. They were not. Despite the cool weather, stepping back onto land felt surprisingly comfortable. It was one of those experiences that sounds unpleasant on paper but ends up being incredibly enjoyable. If you ever find yourself in Dublin, I highly recommend giving it a try.
After our swim, the group went out for a late lunch. It was a great opportunity to get to know some new people and enjoy good conversation. Later that evening, we went to a pub to watch the World Cup match, which was the perfect way to end an already great day.
As I prepare to head back to work, I have also been reflecting on my internship experience. One area where I occasionally experience uncertainty is learning the systems, processes, and business practices commonly used in Ireland, many of which differ from what I am familiar with in the United States. Because I am working in a new environment, there are often concepts or procedures that I have not encountered before. As a result, some instructions that may seem straightforward to my supervisor or the company owner sometimes require additional clarification on my end.
To navigate this uncertainty, I make it a priority to ask questions whenever I need a better understanding of a task or process. Both my supervisor and the owner have been incredibly supportive and willing to explain things in greater detail. Their guidance has helped me learn quickly, build confidence, and become more effective in my role. I also make an effort to take notes and apply what I learn so that I can continue becoming more independent over time.
Although this week did not unfold exactly as I expected, it ultimately reminded me why I am so grateful to be here. From recovering from illness to exploring Dublin, swimming in the Irish Sea, and continuing to grow professionally, every experience has helped me appreciate this opportunity even more. I am excited to see what the coming weeks have in store.
