What is/are your major(s)?

Psychology

What is/are your minor(s)?

Sociology & Communications

What is the name of your study abroad program?

University College Cork

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Cork, Ireland

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I play the piano and the guitar, and I own four guitars (two acoustics, one electric, and a 12-string)! I have a collection of 150+ books, and I have read almost all of them. I’ve also been told that I do a pretty decent Jennifer Coolidge impression.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I am so excited to meet people from not just Ireland, but from all over the world. I have always wanted to travel, but have never really had the means or opportunities to do so, which is why I am extremely anxious to get started in my program. I feel like I have a lot to learn from my soon-to-be Irish and international peers, as well as all of the other people I might encounter while abroad. I also think that studying abroad will ultimately help me learn more about myself by interacting with people from different cultures. I am looking at this opportunity as a way to connect more with the people around me, and to meet people I might never encounter in the U.S. But I am also looking forward to seeing how this experience might help me get to know myself better.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I have always wanted to travel, for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching travel channels, and always hoped that I could visit those places one day because seeing them on a TV screen just wasn’t enough. I have always had an intense interest in history and art, which has inspired me to want to see the world. Unfortunately, it was not possible for my family and I to do, so I have never been outside of the United States. When I became aware of study abroad opportunities here at DU, I was so excited because I realized that I might finally have the chance to experience what I’ve dreamed about since I was little. Ireland has always been special to me because I have some family members and extended family with Irish ancestry. I know it will make them proud to see me connecting with a part of my heritage, and I have always wanted to see the places where my family hailed from.