Ireland: Jessica Poeppelman
Jessica Poeppelman
Miller Scholar, Class of 2013
Ireland Field Study
Three weeks does not seem like adequate time to learn all that I did while I was in Ireland. Based on experiences from exploring many tourist attractions to just talking to people, I have a different view on the world and a great respect for Irish people.
Having never been out of the country or even flown before, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. However, hearing a simple Irish greeting upon my arrival assured me that my three weeks in Ireland were going to be outstanding.
Irish people are by far the nicest people I have ever met. Without even knowing you, they will treat you as if you are their best friend. They showed me how important it was to live in the moment and to literally take time to smell the roses. The lives they lead are simple, but they are so happy with what they have. They truly prove that it is not what you have, but what you make of what you have that really matters.
My favorite attraction was, by far, Giant’s Causeway, which is a multitude of hexagonal basalt columns formed from ancient volcanic eruptions. Just sitting or climbing on the columns, hearing and seeing the waves crash, feeling the breeze and seeing the breathtaking ocean view made the experience unforgettable. Other amazing attractions were Crough Patrick, Trim Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Powerscourt Gardens & Waterfall and the Books of Kells.
The people I went with on this trip made it more than I could have asked for. As with any strangers, you never know if you will get along with them and if they will get along with each other. Eric Hedin, PhD, led this trip, and I could not have asked for a more organized and sincere person. Even though I did not know any of the other students on the trip, I could not have asked for a better group of individuals to experience Ireland with. Perhaps the Irish philosophy really did affect us—for we met as individuals, but left as if we were best friends.
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