While helping out a friend from home who is applying for a summer abroad program I came across the personal statement I wrote for NUIG last March. It was really neat to see what my hopes were for my semester here in Galway and what I was expecting to find here academically. I have to admit that academically I have been disappointed here since not only were almost none of the classes I expected to take offered this semester but the way the curriculum is set up makes it very difficult to make sure I truly understand the material the class has covered over the semester. I was honestly excited at the idea of taking classes that only required 1 paper for the entire semester but now that it has come time to write those papers I've realized how much pressure there is to write a great paper about topics I didn't pay nearly enough attention to since the end of the semester seemed so far away. While obviously it was my own fault for not paying closer attention at earlier lectures, I have definitely realized I am the type of student who thrives on numerous assignments that keep me on my toes with studying and reading. Maybe now when I return to SJU i'll embrace the idea of multiple papers and exams, especially around finals time.
Aside from academics I also found it interesting to read in my statement that I wanted to be in public policy at the time of my application. Since March I have decided to apply for nursing school after college since I now realize working with patients is where I will be the happiest. To think that only 8 months ago I was considering a vastly different career makes me realize how much one can grow and discover about their selves in a short span of time.
The line that stuck out the most for me when rereading my statement was, "I hope that by leaving my comfort zone to go to a new university, I will be able to look at new experiences as opportunities rather than challenges." Knowing the way I was just a few short months ago and seeing where I am now, I really cannot get over how much i've grown. A year ago I was e-mailing my mother telling her there was absolutely no way I could go abroad since I knew there was no way I could ever handle being away from home and SJU for 4 months. She agreed and the idea of going abroad was dropped until about January when I began thinking of applying for the NUI Galway program. Making the decision on my own with my parents support and encouragement was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. I am happy to say I went from hating traveling to realizing how amazing it is to see places many only dream of seeing. I had to put my fear of flying aside to take advantage of being in Europe and 6 flights later I'll admit I'm still a nervous flier but I would never turn down an opportunity to go somewhere just because a flight was involved. I have also learned to relax and let things happen without flipping out over every little detail that goes wrong. I've realized that time is a precious thing and wasting it on stress is simply foolish. I am truly proud of myself for growing into the kind of person I wanted to be 8 months ago... one who views new experiences as opportunities.
So as I go into my final 3 weeks here in the beautiful Galway, Ireland I hope to continue to take advantage of this amazing experience I'm lucky enough to have and I hope that all of you will be able to see the positive changes I have made over the last 3 months.
I'll do my best to update again before I leave but if not I can't wait to see everyone back at home and SJU (just pardon my saddness for having to leave Galway).
Kathleen
