Jet Lagged but in Awe

By:

Whisper Johnson

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Whisper Johnson

<i>Home Institution</i>: Bowling Green State University <i>Expected Graduation Year</i>: 2023 <i>Academic Major / Minor</i>: Criminal Justice / Japanese <i>Destination</i>: Dublin, Ireland <i>"Hello" in your host country's language</i>: Dia dhuit <i>Program Provider</i>: The Intern Group <i>Demographics</i>: African American/Black, Caucasian/White, Multi-Racial, First-Generation College Student, LGBTQ+ <i>Future Career Goals</i>: I enjoy the interpersonal workings of the Criminal Justice System. So I have decided to go into the victim advocacy field after graduation. Though just getting to work in the Criminal Justice field and helping improve people's quality of life would be fantastic. <i>Top Three Study Abroad Goals</i>: Networking with those also abroad and making friends with these new individuals; Leaving a positive impression of myself on those I will work with during my internship; Having a better grasp of the differences between the Irish justice system when compared to the American justice system.

The experience of traveling to a foreign country for the first time is something that cannot be fully understood until it’s experienced. It’s a mix of emotions that can range from excitement to fear, with uncertainty at its core. My journey to Dublin, Ireland was no exception. As a first-time traveler, I was anxious about the unknowns and the possibilities that awaited my landing.

The journey started early in the morning with my dad accompanying me to the airport. As we made our way through the airport, I was too tired to really feel anxious. However, the sight of the small commercial plane that would take me to my first layover did wake me up a bit. My talkative seatmate was a blessing in disguise, distracting me by sharing their past and future travel stories. The takeoff and flight were much smoother than I anticipated, and even the turbulence was not as bad as I had imagined. Maybe even a little fun

After a 12-hour journey that included three flights, I finally arrived in Dublin. I was exhausted, but the excitement of exploring a new place kept me going. My accommodation reminded me of a dorm back home, but it was more expensive. I could not sleep for the life of me, which was unfortunate because I had a welcome party for new program intakes that night.

The welcome party was a great way to meet new people and connect with others who shared a passion for travel. Listening to their stories of adventure and excitement left me feeling envious, but also inspired. I knew then that I wanted to be like them, to explore the world while being outgoing and confident. I also realized that I wanted to make a good impression on the people I met and learn as much as I could about the capital of Ireland and the people who live there.

As the night came to an end, I made my way back to my accommodation feeling grateful for this opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and explore the world. I was excited to see what the future held and determined to make the most of it. I knew that my journey in Dublin was just beginning, and I was looking forward to discovering all that this beautiful country had to offer. Travel like this is a chance to learn and grow. It opens up new perspectives, experiences, and opportunities that would have otherwise been unattainable while stationed in one’s own country. It’s important to embrace the unknown and step out of your comfort zone.

Also, I learned that I get airsick!