Today, I am writing from the Postgraduate Study Room at UCD. It has been a rough few weeks. I knew graduate school would be hard, but it is amazing how much there is left to learn about the world.
Last weekend was TLU homecoming and it made me miss my second home I made there. However, my experience here in Ireland is proving to me that TLU is an amazing university. Shout out to the amazing and attentive professors I had there for preparing me for the world.
So... Where to start? I guess I can be nerdy and start with actual schooling: It has been intense. Between all of my major assignments being due in the span of 6 days in December and my 20,000 word thesis looming over me, there is always work to be done somewhere. However, my initial meetings with a thesis supervisor has led me to believe I am not completely clueless when it comes to this whole geography thing. And in true fashion to myself, I have joined like six societies, including geography and film, where I get to watch free movies each week. :)
Now, the transition to living in Dublin has also been tricky. However, I can say with confidence that I am a legal, registered resident of The Republic of Ireland. It is a little funny. My grandparents and my mom are immigrants too. While I will not stay here forever- it does make me a third generation immigrant and first generation American all at the same time.
I found a grocery store and have a pretty decent system of getting groceries with one of my flatmates worked out, so that is good too. Though there have been a few times we have seriously considered getting groceries delivered because we just can't deal.
And of course, I have spent some great weekends with my cousins. It is great having them so close :)
This whole public transportation thing has been tricky too. Coming from somewhere with one train system that I have used only a handful of times, to a place where taking the bus is standard has been a great adjustment. However, I am starting to figure out where to get and take the bus and NOT look like a tourist all the time.
Now, I guess the real work begins. I am no longer a wide eyed brand new student. We are in Week 5, almost half of the way through the first term. And I have a routine set. SO here is to hoping I do not mess my life up. Signing off for class.
-A
