Over the past few weeks in Derry, I have learned so many things. Some of which included that Derry is the perfect size city, walk-able with a lot to see, I can get tired of eating chips, and that strangers are sometimes the kindest people you will meet. One of my favorite aspects of Derry was how often strangers were so open and welcoming to a group of students from the states. In a shoe store, a saleswoman, after a long conversation about where we’re from and what we’re studying told us to come back to say goodbye before we left for home.
I am surprised at how quickly Derry felt like home. During a long free weekend of traveling to two larger cities, Belfast and Dublin, I found myself telling people that I was going home to Derry after our travels. And it was true, we stepped off of the Translink bus at the Derry Bus Center and breathed in the air. While walking up the hill on Shipquay street, I paused for a second and said “listen”, everything was quiet and we were content. I was even grateful for the walk up the hill that would typically leave me and my legs exhausted.
One of my favorite places in Derry, somewhere that I found myself feeling at peace, was at Yellow Yard. Very stereotypical, I know. Someone born and raised in the Pacific Northwest enjoyed the thrift shop/record/book store the most. The multiple times I visited Yellow Yard, I wondered for unknown amounts of time, sifting through the used books, enamel pins, and second-hand t-shirts.
Stitch in Time mural by UV Arts, Craft Village on Shipquay street 
Peace Dove Mural located on the Bogside of Derry
A favorite moment from my time in Derry had to be having the opportunity to sit down and speak with Jennifer Clifford about trans* and non-binary youth in Derry. As I stated in another blog post, it is rare for a younger trans* person such as myself to interact with trans* people from older generations. It was incredible to hear her speak about her faith and confidence in younger generations of trans* people to fight against transphobia and violence to our community.
Throughout the trip, I have also learned that I am very interested in youth arts programs and art as a way of healing from trauma as well as a method of support for at-risk youth. I found myself drawn to programs such as UV Arts and Street Talk. Both of these programs focus on youth that are at risk for a variety of reasons including poverty and being targets of paramilitary recruitment. Art is an incredible outlet to put into the hands of young people. It gives them the opportunity to express themselves in a way that is productive and creative.
Overall, I am incredibly grateful for my time spent in Derry and the peace building community that I was welcomed by and into. There is so much hope and resilience in the people of Derry and I was lucky to even experience a small amount of their passion for change.
SOCI 387 Diversity, Conflict, and Peace in Northern Ireland 