I returned home from Timber Lake West summer camp on Sunday 17th August. This gave me three whole days to see my family and friends, get some good food and be reminded of all the little things that make me love Ireland. There was too much to do to be nervous, but when I put the university tag on my suitcase and said goodbye to my parents again, it all started to set in.
On Wednesday 20th August, I found myself back in Dublin airport. This time I would be heading across the Atlantic Ocean for a whole new adventure – studying at the University of Evansville, Indiana. Having shipped a box of stuff from New York straight to Evansville, I didn't have to deal with overweight luggage – every traveller’s nightmare. Right where I had hugged my sister three days before, I was now saying goodbye again. And so I jetted off on the 8 hour flight to Chicago. Some annoying delays meant I had to get an extra flight to Detroit, Michigan (another state ticked off the list) before arriving at the scarily small Evansville airport 24 hours after leaving my home in Ireland. I was met by International Orientation Leaders who got me settled in to my dorm and so eight months after screaming about getting accepted to the Study USA programme, I was finally here.
On Wednesday 20th August, I found myself back in Dublin airport. This time I would be heading across the Atlantic Ocean for a whole new adventure – studying at the University of Evansville, Indiana. Having shipped a box of stuff from New York straight to Evansville, I didn't have to deal with overweight luggage – every traveller’s nightmare. Right where I had hugged my sister three days before, I was now saying goodbye again. And so I jetted off on the 8 hour flight to Chicago. Some annoying delays meant I had to get an extra flight to Detroit, Michigan (another state ticked off the list) before arriving at the scarily small Evansville airport 24 hours after leaving my home in Ireland. I was met by International Orientation Leaders who got me settled in to my dorm and so eight months after screaming about getting accepted to the Study USA programme, I was finally here.
International orientation began early the next day. We were all split in to family groups so that we could ask as many questions as we needed and so that we could meet more people. During these few days we had compulsory testing, met our advisors, played games, learned about adapting to new cultures and went for a much needed trip to the mall. We also played Olympic Games in the fitness center (which got quickly competitive). Over these few days I met people from all over the world. There is a remarkable amount of countries represented on this small campus and I was intrigued to find out as much as I could about them, the same way many people want to learn about Ireland. The internationals that I met during this first week are the same people I sit with in the dining hall every day a month later – a great, cultural family.
On Wednesday 27th August, my classes begun. Although it took me nearly a week to decide what classes I wanted to take – I was immediately impressed by each professor and the whole education system. I’ve been to more classes in four weeks here than I believe I went to in the whole last year. Woops. But I really enjoy going to class. My next blog will be on the differences and similarities between our education systems, although I doubt I’ll find many of the latter.
Despite being bogged down with classes, I still made sure I signed up for pretty much everything possible at the organisational fair so my emails are going crazy at the minute. I just want to get involved in everything possible – from College Mentors for Kids, Venturing Crew to the Quidditch club because why not?
Despite being bogged down with classes, I still made sure I signed up for pretty much everything possible at the organisational fair so my emails are going crazy at the minute. I just want to get involved in everything possible – from College Mentors for Kids, Venturing Crew to the Quidditch club because why not?
Everyone has been so incredibly welcoming and I really haven’t had time to miss home too much, although I’m sure I will. My previous two summers in New York have definitely helped me in settling in to the United States culture, but it is the people I have met who have helped me settle in to Evansville. I feel right at home walking around my new campus, with many friendly faces saying ‘cheers’ to me as they walk by, because apparently I say it a lot. People are still struggling with the ‘Maeve’ thing, but we’ll get there eventually. There is never a shortage of things to do and my timetable is pretty jam packed full of exciting things in the near future. The only regret I have is that I didn’t start out here as a freshman - a clear indication of how much I am loving it!
During orientation, we were asked to write a letter to ourselves which we will be given back at the end of the year. I entitled mine “How much can I do in a year?” so here’s to finding out.
During orientation, we were asked to write a letter to ourselves which we will be given back at the end of the year. I entitled mine “How much can I do in a year?” so here’s to finding out.