“Arrived I did, with 60 quid, in Derry where the wind does blow. I drank and I danced, and happily I glanced, at the Guinness as it did flow.”- Nikolis Clark

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To be honest I have no clue how I can properly talk about my experience here in Northern Ireland. While in Derry I have worn many hats, I have been a student from America, I have been the guest haunting the lobby of the Maldron at all hours talking to his girlfriend, and I have been a bit of an odd character running around from pub to pub talking to locals. I have met police, terrorists, victims, musicians, charity workers, community builders, and regular locals living their lives. Yet most importantly, I met people. No matter the side of a conflict or the role, we are all people and that is something that I have really thought about during my stay in Northern Ireland. What I have found here is a beautiful community filled with many beautiful people.

As a writer, I often think to myself that around everyone is countless story lines. Be it the married folk flirting with those they are not wed to, or the professors herding students through the lobby, or the American sitting in the lobby at all hours of the morning and night, the Maldron served as the backdrop for many of these story lines. The Hotel itself though modernized, exuded the phantoms of stories long forgotten. It was not uncommon to see a regular at the Lyric, the lobby bar, nor was it uncommon to never see another guest again. I often enjoyed being a night’n denizen of the hotel. The place holds a special place in my heart and I am glad to have spent my time there. 

For me this trip marked a new part of my life. I have spent the last decade struggling with severe depression and I never thought I would make it this far from the suicidal teenager that I once was. I celebrated my 22nd birthday in Derry, an event that I never really thought I would reach when I was younger. To be honest when I turned 21, I didn’t have much faith in me reaching 22. After a lot of personal work on myself and the seeking of professional help, I have reached a good place. It is with this in mind that I am thankful to all the trip goers, and the staff at Holywell that made this birthday so special. I never thought I would get here and I am so happy that I could spend my birthday with such amazing people. It all meant a lot to me. 

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Finally in my time here I learned that I was wrong. I always thought that sometimes violence is necessary for the progress towards peace. It was in my time working with the amazing people here that I came to realize the error of my ways. It was in the stories of these people that I came to understand that the path to end the conflict in Northern Ireland must be forged with a peaceful and persistent hand. 

I have learned and gained so much knowledge from my time here that I don’t even know where to begin on what I’ve learned about myself and this country.

I feel inspired and hopeful for the future of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. While progress has been slow in this country, I’ve met so many wonderful people who are fighting to heal and change their country, and the perceptions of it for the betterment of all people. Not just all of the speakers from our class, but all the locals I have gotten to know during my time here. There is much work to be done, by the resilience of the people here is truly a joy to be around. When I asked about why I wanted to study this specific program, I had barely known anything about Northern Ireland and the Republic, all I had known was the suffering.

I wanted to look at the resilience of the people here, not just in terms of survival, but what have people done to help their community and themselves. What I learned is that silence and complicity is murder. Everyone we have talked to has talked about how the first step to healing is admitting what has happened and to talk about it, whether it’s the whole story or even a part of it. The moment someone opens up to anyone about trauma is when healing can begin, however, it is not the only thing you can do for healing. As well as connecting with others about your story, it’s the dialogue and conversations you have with the people around you. Education is key. Learning about both sides of this terrible conflict and recognizing everyone is a victim. As Richard Moore said, he is a victim of the conflict not of anger.

I have a lot of my own trauma, my own baggage, and multitude of issues. Some of them I have been able to heal from and move on, and others I haven’t been able to move on from. Listening to the stories of everyone at the Playhouse, especially Victoria’s when she said “we’ve been carrying the secrets of those who came before us ever since we were born” I think of my own intergenerational trauma and the secrets I’ve been keeping within my family. Once I graduate, I plan to leave to Mexico for two years to meet my family, in understanding my own indigenous identity, and to begin my healing process. Being here has made me realize how much work I still have yet to do to not be a victim of anger anymore.

Coming to Northern Ireland I had no idea what to expect. As someone who had never left the United States, and had done very little traveling inside the states I really had not experienced much outside of my current way of life. With this trip I was about to step into the unknown, and I was doing it with a class of 13 others whom I had never met before. Anxious, nervous, but mostly excited perfectly describe how I was feeling leading up to this class. But by the time we made it to Derry on that first night I had already become friends with most of the class and I felt confident and ready to experience everything this city has to offer. During my time here I learned plenty about myself, about this country, and made countless memories.

Leaving this trip I feel that I learned a lot about this country. I learned that the country is full of friendly people who love Americans for truly no reason at all. I noticed the strong sense of pride that exists within this tight-knit community. Even though these two communities have been at each others throat for hundreds of years, they are eager to come together and heal. People want to see change, and I see that people are willing to step-up and be that change. Activists and community leaders are emerging to lead projects that help heal the wounds, and mend the divide between the communities. Difficult conversations are being had, cross-community work is taking place, change is happening every day and I believe that it wont be long before a new Northern Ireland exists, one that is a shell of its dark and violent past.

Seeing the Giants Causeway, exploring Dublin, and having adventures out around the town with the others are just some of my favorite memories on this trip. I am extremely grateful and lucky to say that coming back from this trip I have 13 more friends than when we arrived. Spending time with these people, playing games, having drinks, sharing some laughs, bonding and getting closer while learning and exploring a foreign land. The history that I learned on this trip will eventually start to fade, but the memories and bonds that I created on this trip are things that I can never forget.

 

 

 

“I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways, and no message could’ve been any clearer, if you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make the change.” (Michael Jackson) Before coming to Derry, I had never taken a step outside of the US. I wasn’t aware of Tayto’s, Poundland, the saying “happy days”, or even how small the roads would be in Northern Ireland. But that all being said, when I think of memories and moments that I will never forget, three particular instances come to mind. 

It’s hard not to admire the beautiful scenery that Northern Ireland has to offer. I’ve found myself in awe at the never ending green landscapes, towering cliffs, and the peace bridge; a symbol of hope for Northern Ireland to come. The various identities and history of Northern Ireland is ingrained in the landscape and just taking one step outside, it’s easy to see that time never passes and memories continue to live on. The brass oak leaves on the concrete, the colors displayed throughout the city, and even the music played by local artists are just small examples of this. One of my favorite memories however, was the detour our class took on the way to the Giant’s Causeway. We pulled over on the side of the road and ran down a very grassy muddy hill (some of us slipped) and overlooked the coast of Northern Ireland. There are simply no words to describe how fun and breathtakingly beautiful it was. 

Another highlight of this trip were the people that I met. Not just in Northern Ireland but in my class as a whole. Even with all the conflict and tension in Derry, it’s still inspiring to see people rise up together and do peace building in their community. And in my own class, it was wonderful learning alongside everyone and seeing us slowly start to integrate ourselves into the life here in Derry. Seeing all of the amazing initiatives that are taking place here made me also start to continually ask myself, “What am I doing back home to be a peace builder in my own community?” 

Overall, the biggest highlight wasn’t even a highlight at all. If anything, it was more of a self discovery. I discovered that I alone can do so much to change the world. That even the smallest of rocks stuck in a shoe still causes someone to stop and look. I plan to take all of the knowledge and lessons that I’ve learned here back home with me so I can start making a change. Because I’m “starting with the man in the mirror.” 

This experience of studying away in Northern Ireland is one I am immensely grateful for. I will never forget the memories and all of the meaningful things I have learned during this trip. Because I have a nursing background, sociology was not something that I had ever studied or was very familiar with. However, I am so thankful for everything I have learned because it compliments the nursing knowledge and care I will need in the future as a nurse. My eyes have been opened to social structures and social change, as well as the needs in our society. 

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In my love for nursing, I have always been interested in the healing process, both physically and psychologically. Much of the conflict of Northern Ireland is still affecting individuals today as there are still so many open wounds of the trauma and the sectarianism. We were able to hear from people and projects that are working toward finding healing and reconciliation, such as Theater of Witness and Richard Moore. The Theater of Witness shares how storytelling is an effective way to express your reality and hurts by uncovering your secrets to order to find healing. It also became a method to bridge the divide between the two groups by humanizing everyone’s story and seeing the human behind the label. Richard Moore lost his vision due to violence during “The Troubles,” but instead of being angry, he uses his story as a message of peace and of hope. He practices forgiveness in a way that many people in Derry have not implemented yet, which is something I think is crucial to the peace-building process here. These are just two examples, but so many wonderful people we have met here have been using their stories and working hard to build peace and reconciliation. Although there is still work to be done for peace in Derry, many people speak of so much hope which is really inspiring.  

While this trip was amazing in so many ways, it also was very challenging and difficult for me a few days into the trip. My grandma, who I was very close to, passed away unexpectedly because of a hemorrhagic stroke. Despite my desire to fly to Boston to be with her and my family, I stayed immersed in this experience. Through this challenging time of grieving abroad and away from family and my support systems, I learned a lot about my own resilience and strength that I did not know I had. Resilience is something we have talked a lot about during this class, so it was interesting to gain a different understanding of it in my own life too.

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I am so thankful for the many beautiful and historical sites I was able to see, the experience of traveling more independently to London, all of the incredible things I’ve learned, and for all the beautiful people that I journeyed with on this trip that I now get to call my friends.

Before embarking on this study abroad, I was unsure of what to expect. This trip has been different from anything that I’ve done before and during it, I was placed outside of my comfort my zone. However, I am grateful for the experience that I have had. From this trip, I have two main reflections. First, the world is so much bigger, complex, and nuanced than the tiny bubble of comfortability that I exist in back home in Washington. Second, I am grateful for the diverse group of students from PLU that came on this trip and the connections I was able to make with them.

I find that often times in America, other countries are either romanticized or forgotten. By traveling to a foreign country and interacting with the people who call it home, I realize that they are people to, just like you and me. Additionally, this trip has made me aware how other countries have their own histories which impact the way the people living there navigate their world. While these things may seem obvious to others, and while these are things that I may have known before coming here, I don’t feel like I truly understood them until I had this experience. Even the people in Derry who didn’t live through the conflict still express a connection to it in some way. They are currently living in a unique time in the country’s history where peace is trying to be achieved.

Per my second reflection, I am grateful for the many cool people that I have gotten to meet on this trip abroad. We had the opportunity to meet two different PLU alumni who are here doing peacework in Northern Ireland. It was fascinating to hear their stories and hear the role that PLU played in their journey.

Additionally, I am grateful for the connections that I have made among my classmates here. I remember on the plane ride here not really knowing any of them that well and wondering how the trip will be. However, throughout this trip, I have engaged in many great conversations and shared many laughs with this group. It feels as if we have become a little family here in Derry. During the last weekend of the trip, we all got together to celebrate one of our classmate’s birthday and to have everyone together playing games, sharing stories, and laughing was such a fun time!

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Thanks to the wise decision on behalf of our professor, we had a long weekend set aside for independent travel during our time here. 

Let’s just say I experienced a very first world problem and was struggling with where to go. 

Should I visit Belfast? What about Dublin? Ahh, Galway would be cool too! 

So many neat areas to explore, and such little time to do so! I wanted to see it all, but there simply wasn’t enough time. 

I had verbally committed to going to Belfast, yet the closer and closer it got to my departure, I realized that I was simply going to Belfast because that’s what I thought I should do. But who am I kidding?! I don’t like cities! I try to avoid them at all costs!

[Life Lesson #1: FOLLOW YOUR HEART]

A couple days before our long weekend for independent travel, I sat down, did some research, and ended up booking an Air BnB in Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland. 

And let me just say…this was hands down the best decision I could have made. I had a soul refreshing weekend spent interacting with locals and exploring the beautiful countryside of Ireland. 

It’s incredible what happens when you listen to the calling inside of you. 

[Life Lesson #2: LISTEN]

Whether it’s listening to your own heart and following it, or genuinely listening to other people’s life experiences, I cannot stress enough the importance of listening. I believe one of the keys to achieving true peace and justice in the world is listening. And let me be clear. It isn’t listening just to respond. It is actively listening with the sole purpose of listening to understand. 

One of my favorite aspects of traveling is listening to the local people and hearing their stories. I’m so grateful I had the chance to stretch my comfort zone, travel outside of Derry, and get a feel for the Irish lifestyle. 

By the end of the weekend, I felt more connected to myself and others. I had a renewed sense of joy and gratitude for this amazing world we live in and the people in it.

Which reminds me…have you ever heard of Irish generosity? 

It’s a thing. 

No joke, one night I went to a pub and walked away without paying a dime. The people I interacted with had such a profound sense of kindness in their hearts. Thanks to their generosity, I just had to pay for a taxi ride back to my Air BnB! So much to be thankful for! Which leads me to my next point:

[Life Lesson #3: PRACTICE GRATITUDE]

Intentionally practicing gratitude is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your life. There is so much to be thankful for, yet we don’t always take the time to stop and acknowledge it. 

So to complete this blog post and my time here, I’ll write a list of a few things I’m grateful for: 

• the opportunity to further my education abroad 
• the ability to travel and explore new places
• my family, for their constant love and support, even from afar
• my friends, for understanding my desire to travel and willingness to pick up right where we left off

And so much more…

This trip has made me realize that there is so much more to conflict. Conflict is not black and white, there is no such thing as right or wrong because one side will always believe that the other side is to blame. It made me realize that conflict is everywhere, and the way to peace will vary. However, even with conflict, Northern Ireland is still standing and one day the divide will end.

            The peace bridge does not only connect the city side and waterside, it connects two divided communities. The peace bridge is not just a breathtaking bridge its representing the future of peace with a structure that can be seen by all. To me it represents the future between the two communities not only here in Northern Ireland but the communities around the world that are divided. Another structure that resonated with me were the Walls of Derry. I was amazed that these walls have been standing here for over 400 years. These walls have been touched, walked on and seen by multiple generations. As you walked on the walls you can see the beauty of the architecture, the chipped parts and the different colors of the moss that grows. The wall itself brings history to life, it shows us the roots of the country . It was stunning to stand in a landmark that has so much history. As I walked the walls at night and looked out to the horizon, I ponder those who stood in the same spot imagining their future.

Another highlight of my trip would be the people. Even though I’m an extrovert in many forms. I did have a harder time talking to the locals. However, I realized that the first step is just sparking conversation and making a personal connection and from there the conversation can travel as far and wide as possible. I would say that the most memorable experience that I had was talking to Victoria from Theatre of Witness. Because of the personal connection we made we had a lovely conversation towards the future.  I also made a friend for life, we met during the Theatre of Witness workshop. Anna-lea is a wonderful human being, who strives to make a change in the world. It was a great experience to interact with others outside my comfort zone.

My experience in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was amazing. I learned the step to peace is to listen, understand, to have dialogue by cross community and build organizations that support peace. The land and the people are resilient and because of that there is hope that one day the divide will be gone and the people of Northern Ireland will stand as one.  

As this Derry trip comes to a close I can’t help but feel a little sorrowful.  This trip was very good but also very hard. Everything that we learned and everyone that we heard from sparked so much joy, interest, and moments of mourning.  Whats my favorite part of this trip you ask? It’s the people. I have learned so much from the people of Derry, but the thing that I have learned most from these amazing people is the word resilience.

Most of the people we met were in some way affected by the Troubles and yet are still standing through the trauma. Yes, there were also people that died or were affected by the trauma so much so that they took their own life, but, there are also organizations out there to help save and restore hope into their minds.  Other people went on to start businesses that would instill peace or happiness within the community or they went on to tell their story even if it was seen as scary.  

I am thankful for everyone’s story at the Playhouse.  I got a greater look into other peoples stories of what it meant to be dealt a not so great hand, and yet after it all, transcend it to go on and formulate peace amongst groups they would have killed and everyday people that experienced the trauma of the Troubles.  

I am astounded by the people at Holywell and what they continue to do for a divided community after they themselves have also experienced trauma from the conflict.  Everyday at Holywell was a blessing. I learned what it meant to get back up even when it is hard and what it means to do something that brings me joy and what my joy can do for the community as well.  

The word that I needed to hear on this trip and eventually at some point in my life was the word resilience.  Not only did I hear the word but I was actively shown what that looks like through the conflict and the Troubles.  As a person that hasn’t been dealt the greatest cards in life (which are different than what the people of Derry experienced) this was a very important trip.  In all of the good things and hard things I have learned from the resilient people of Derry and I hope that I will be able to translate the hope that they have for their community into my life.