This summer I wanted to take the opportunity to do something for myself unrelated to school. I volunteered at a community resource centre helping with a summer project, which provides at-risk youth a safe and fun environment during their summer holiday. This opportunity taught me so much about myself and also about working with other people. One of the things I wrote in my application was that I wanted to emerge myself into a culture and have a chance to not only change my life, but also have a chance to impact others. This sentence puts into words my whole experience. I was constantly learning about the Irish culture working with those who know it best. I felt that I made a huge impact in the work that was done at the resource centre and my life has changed because of this experience. Connect-123 understood what I wanted and gave me an opportunity of a lifetime.

At first I was nervous to be moving to a foreign country not knowing a single person, but I don’t regret that one bit. Not only was I roommates with other Connect-123 interns, but we all lived in the same building. I made so many new friends that I will cherish forever!

Dublin is truly an incredible place. The city is beautiful, small enough to become acquainted to quickly, and the people are amazing. I am currently already planning my trip back!!