This Feels Like (Afro)Euro Summer

This summer was quite transformative for me. I know I already expressed this sentiment before, but there is no other adjective I can think of that truly encapsulates how I feel about my time overseas. Within three months, I studied in Senegal, worked in Ireland, saw the Eiffel Tower alit, and watched shows in London’s West End.

When I left my Senegal Maymester, I remember feeling a mix of heartbreak and excitement. I bawled my eyes out while saying goodbye to my host family, even though they assured me I could come back anytime. It was my first trip to Africa, and, as a Black American, visiting the Motherland was life-changing. I loved the food, culture, and scenery of Dakar. At the same time, I was so ready to dive into my Dublin internship. The second I began the EUSA program, I felt that there was a tangible countdown to when I returned home. At the beginning of this trip, when being away from home for ten and a half weeks felt daunting, said timeline was my light at the end of a very long (but colorful!) tunnel. At some point, getting closer to the other side of the trip filled me with a sadness similar to the one I felt leaving Dakar. I missed Pittsburgh, but I could’ve spent the whole summer working in Dublin. As much as I wanted to drive again, and see my family and friends, I thrived abroad. I explored the city every day and made connections with musicians. Turns out, all that was needed for me to abandon my homebody tendencies was a reliable bus system.

While studying abroad, I finally got to experience the quintessential college experience: roommates, shared bathrooms, and dorm living. As a non-traditional Pitt student and commuter, I thought I would miss out on the typical college lifestyle. It was cool to check that off the list. There are so many experiences that would have passed me by, if not for the scholarships I received for both programs.

One of the best experiences through this program was meeting so many incredible people. I made a lot of new friends. I realized I am quite good at making small talk with strangers, which is something that used to make me anxious. Connecting with new people was a personal highlight of the trip.

Professionally, my American work ethic brought me a lot of success. Even though I was only working at Axis Ballymun for seven works, I was able to accomplish a lot due to my ability to take initiative and be proactive. Overall, I much prefer the Irish pace of work. Expectations seem more realistic, and work does not come before health and safety. Through my internship, I learned to prioritize my life over work. I watched my supervisors take time off when they did not feel well, even though they had just come back from vacation. In the US, I would not consider asking for that extra sick day. I would be concerned with inconveniencing others. Both in the workplace and at school, I have pushed myself too far because that is what’s expected of us in the States. However, by taking care of themselves, my bosses set a great example for me. Next time I am under the weather, or I need a day off, I will ask for it, without feeling guilty.

Getting to live and work outside of the United States was the greatest gift. We really do not have to live like this. We can have more: more connection, more community, more humanity, more art, more social services, more public transportation. I am not trying to pretend that Senegal, France, Ireland, or England are utopian societies. They’re most certainly not. Just a few days before I arrived in Dublin, a Congolese immigrant named Yves Sakila was killed by security guards kneeling on his neck. As a Congolese-American, this weighed heavy on my conscience during my first weeks in Ireland. Still, a common thread in many of the places I visited is the de-centering of work as the most important thing in one’s life. In my future career, I want to live and work in societies that prioritize people and community over profit.

I am beyond grateful for this experience. Never again will I have a summer experience quite like this, and it was a true privilege to get to live, work, and fraternize in a different country. My dreams for my future have expanded, and have become more realistic, as a result of this program. Prior to this summer, I thought it was possible that I could work overseas one day. Now, I know that it is completely doable. I know that I can live thousands of miles from home and thrive. I appreciate the folks at EUSA, Pitt Business, and especially everyone at Axis Ballymun for helping me realize my potential for myself. Go raibh maith agaibh!!