In 48 hours, I will be on the plane to Dublin. I still don't think that has completely hit me. In any case, I'm excited.
I'll take this first post to answer some frequent questions I've been getting. Why am I studying abroad? Why Cork? Didn't you already go to DC? What are you studying there? How long will you be there?
Let me start by emphasizing that CMC's Washington DC program was a fantastic experience for me. The classes were great. DC is a fun town. Working in Congress gave me a better perspective on politics. As a politics junkie, seeing senators everyday kept a smile on my face. And, even though I loved my internship, I found out I don't want to be a congressional staffer. Most off all, though, I discovered the value of learning off campus.
I love Claremont McKenna. I've had a great time there, and it has provided me with lots of opportunities, such as DC and, forthcoming, Ireland. I hold dearly the friendships I've made in Claremont. Politics, my passion, are discussed everywhere. I treasure the small campus where I know almost everyone and the close relationships with professors I have built. At the same time, however, Claremont often bores me. It's the same party every weekend: a keg in a dorm lounge with a theme that does not actually change anything from the last party. We're stuck out in the suburbs and it's difficult to get anywhere. The music scene is seriously deficient, even for myself, and I don't know how to play any instruments. I want to live an exciting life. DC was stessful, but exciting. The CMC trip to India that I went on was amazing. I want to continue having these huge life experiences, and this is one way for me to do so.
I haven't had many opportunities to travel before college. Cork gives me the chance for an intimate view of Ireland and a month-long Spring break. I'll be able to use that break to travel Europe on the cheap. I chose Ireland over other countries for a number of reasons. I have not studied a language at CMC, I tested out of the requirement with my high school Latin. I wanted to be able to spend time with students from the country I was living in, as opposed to solely spending my time with other American exchange students. So that limited my options. I enjoy Irish music, and I'll have the Spring break to get a lot of other traveling in.
Since I'm almost done with my CMC major, which classes I take in Cork does not matter much. I'm going to take a Modern Irish (commonly called Gaelic) class and and Irish history class, both of which are designed for visiting students. I'm hoping to get one of my Science GEs done. Hopefully, I'll take a course for my recently added Ethics sequence.
My flight leaves Saturday, December 27th at 6:30 PM from O'Hare. I get into Dublin at 8:00 AM local time, Sunday, December 28th. I'll be back sometime late in May.
Merry Christmas.
