Saturday June 29th was the last full day myself and my peers had in the beautiful city of Belfast. Many of us went to St. George’s Market early in the morning to look for some last-minute souvenirs or gifts for the family. Later in the day, I went to the market with David where I bought a few beautiful prints. One of Queen’s University, the Botanic Gardens, and Maggie May’s made by a local artist. I also got a decorative tea towel of the Carrick-A-Rede bridge.
We then explored more of the city center together. We went to Carroll’s Irish Gifts for more touristy knick knacks for ourselves and our families. Then, feeling hungry we stopped for some food. I got a traditional Irish steak and Guinness pie. The pie came with a beautiful flaky pastry on top of it with sides of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. David got two starters, one being nachos and the other being barbeque chicken wings. We both enjoyed the food and left with very full stomachs.
After eating, we made our way back to Elms Village. We needed to work on packing up our stuff to prepare to leave the accommodation. A friend I have made in Belfast, Joe, came to help me pack my things up. I am staying in Belfast with Joe for a week and a half after most of my peers are leaving. After I packed my things, I gave my key to the security desk and checked out of Elms Village. Joe and I worked together hauling my things across Belfast, trying to move quickly as I felt sick. After getting to his place and dropping my things off, Joe and I went our separate ways. I had to hustle to the Student Union Bar to meet everyone for our goodbye celebration.
Arriving at the Student Union bar, I was spotted before I could see anyone else. I heard my name being called, but could not identify where the sound was coming from. I turned around until I found the table of the girls; Makayla, Maddie, and Paige greeted me and I sat with them for a bit having a pleasant conversation. They complimented the Guinness sweater I was wearing that I had gotten from Carrol’s earlier in the day. Makayla and I then got up to order some drinks. I separated to find the rest of the group in the outside seating area.
As I was walking out looking for them, they all walked by me, not noticing me. They were headed to the bar, and I followed as if I had been with them the whole time. I found an open space next to David, poked him, and said hello. He seemed surprised and happy to see me. Then the two groups merged into one at a bigger table. The night went by too quickly as we talked and laughed. We reminisced on our time spent together and some of us made plans for when we are back home. My night ended with long hugs between Jesse, Jack, David, and myself. We all agreed we would see each other again back home. I look forward to seeing that promise through.
This study-abroad has completely changed me as an individual. I went into this experience not knowing what to expect. Even still, the things I have experienced, learned, and witnessed have blown me away. This seems to be a common feeling between my peers and myself from what I have gathered. We all went into this experience very differently than how we are leaving. We have been in unique circumstances that have allowed us to live, experience new things, and thrive on our terms for the first time. Each of us was dropped into this scenario not knowing anyone else in the group. This helped a lot as we were all looking to make friends and get along. Some genuine friendships have formed throughout this experience, like the one between David and myself, or Makayla and Jesse. We all worked together to navigate our surroundings, get through school, and have fun.
What this experience meant for everyone individually is, of course, very personal. My time in Belfast has shown me that I can get by on my own, and build a life for myself independently of my old life and support system back home. This realization has been incredibly empowering, inspiring me to stay back in Belfast longer. I hope that the rest of my peers have had similarly thrilling realizations about themselves as a result of their time in Belfast. I wish everyone I had the pleasure of going on this journey with nothing but the best moving forward, and a future full of many similarly-fulfilling travels.
