pRE-aDVENTURE THOUGHTS
Reminiscing and nostalgia abound: remembering my thoughts before I commenced the year of a lifetime.
After a series of application forms and interviews during my second year of university, I no doubt broke the sound barrier when I discovered my acceptance email and excitedly shouted the news to my parents. I am convinced to this day I was given a place as after having talked to my interviewers for forty-five odd minutes, they were probably afraid I would proceed to filibuster them if unsuccessful!
Part One: In which I Recall the Lead Up to Departure.
To have been selected to represent both Northern Ireland and my university abroad in an ambassadorial capacity was – and still is - truly an honour and to study a different subject in a new educational system was an exciting challenge. I cannot thank the British Council enough for this unique opportunity.
After a series of application forms and interviews during my second year of university, I no doubt broke the sound barrier when I discovered my acceptance email and excitedly shouted the news to my parents. I am convinced to this day I was given a place as after having talked to my interviewers for forty-five odd minutes, they were probably afraid I would proceed to filibuster them if unsuccessful! I was simply overjoyed. After completing my Winter examinations –to this day I am uncertain as to how exactly I managed to survive Contract law - it was straight back to the books to research the participating colleges in preparation for my ‘Matching interview’ whereby I would be placed at an American college. My research simply stoked my excitement further and increased my desire to participate as fully as possible on the programme, to immerse myself into campus life and the student community.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been selected to attend Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as right from the moment the college’s homepage loaded on my internet browser I felt an immediate connection – love at first sight, you might say! The class sizes and structure were small enough to allow for discussions and greater professor interaction and there was a vast array of classes available to study. There was even a Pre-Law degree option which piqued my interest as a potential means to expand upon my knowledge of Law in a different jurisdiction to compliment my own legal studies. Life on campus sounded fantastic, from the many student organisations and societies to the recreational activities such as the gym or swimming pool. The campus itself looked the ‘perfect fit’ – small enough for me not to feel overwhelmed and lost, and therefore easier to make friends and big enough so that it felt like a little village at the same time. Reading about the college’s history and mission statement, with special emphasis on the aim of increasing mutual respect, understanding and acceptance for students from all backgrounds, cultures, religions etc. I instantly knew I had to consider this college.
My Matching Interview occurred on a Saturday morning, and with the gentle Spring sunshine streaming through the office window I felt as though I was in a courtroom, submitting my arguments to two learned Judges! Not that my interviewers were austere or cold, mind you. I just recall feeling that I had to strongly propose why I should be matched with these colleges. I remember attempting to describe the connection I felt instantly with Coe, watching as my interviewers smiled.
Weeks passed and summer exams crept nearer. I remember sitting in Starbucks with my mother as we took a break from shopping – I had dragged this poor unfortunate soul into Belfast after she had finished work to help me in my tiresome quest to purchase a dress for the upcoming student Law Society Ball – and I was checking my university email to see whether today would be the day I discovered where I was going in America. I nearly dropped my coffee in exhilaration as I read how I had been placed at Coe College; thankfully my mother rescued the coffee, my phone and myself as I swayed excitedly on my seat. From that point onward it was quite the juggle between completing multiple forms and documents to acquire my student visa, completing online forms to enrol into my college (including submitting an application via the infamous Common Application system. UCAS, come back for all is forgiven) and also studying for my Summer Examinations for Queen’s. By day I was rattling off yet again my date of birth and address for another form and by night I was attempting to conquer the joy that is Northern Irish Land Law. Fortunately, I succeeded in all aspects!
The summer was a whirlwind of undertaking work experience at a commercial law firm in London, to swiftly preparing the required paperwork for the US Consulate to obtain my Student Visa, for Coe College and for the British Council. I had to consider what to bring, what to leave behind, and how on earth a five foot five and a half (I am very defensive of that additional half) girl was going to manage carrying a brimming suitcase over half her weight around multiple airports.
Suddenly I was counting down the days until I flew out from Dublin and embarked on my American adventure. I am amazed at how quickly time passed. It scarcely felt real, for I was used to talking about Study USA as an event to occur in the far-flung future, not within a few days. Discussing packing with my parents, going to my bank to enquire about international wiring, attending the British Council’s pre-departure orientation sessions… It certainly hit home that I was indeed going away for the full academic year. I had, until this year, never moved out, so I knew that would be a new experience in itself. I realised I would miss my family a lot and also my friends; knowing they would complete their final year and graduate this summer without me was saddening to think about.
I knew however that I would have a fantastic year abroad, full of new challenges, classes, friends and great moments. I had always desired to travel to and study in America so this was indeed a dream come true. As I held my newly delivered visa in my hands, I was thoroughly excited to fly out (although a little less enthusiastic about early flights and waiting for connecting flights) and discover what opportunities lay in wait for me. I knew that I would have the support of my family and friends and also of the British Council and wonderful International Student Advisors at Coe, so I would not feel alone. I could not wait to meet my three roommates, participate in Orientation activities and discover the student community on campus. The year was certainly going to be what I made of it, and I fully intended to seize the unique opportunity afforded to me by Coe College and the British Council and enjoy every moment of it.
Part Two: In Which the Day of Departure Dawns.
The morning of the 18th August arrived abruptly and for a moment I was confused as I peered about in the dark room. Why was I not in my bedroom? Why was I up at such a ridiculously early hour? Then I remembered that today was the day I was due to fly out from Dublin and fifteen hours later, hopefully arrive in Cedar Rapids – my home for the year.
My parents and I had travelled from our home to Dublin on the 17th and it had been a surreal feeling to reflect upon the fact that I would not be in the car when my parents made the return trip home. It had been stranger yet to complete writing my suitcase tags, mouthing the words ‘Coe College, Cedar Rapids’ or ‘Iowa, USA’ under my breath in astonishment. My parents and I had had a lovely last dinner in our hotel in Dublin and we had spent the night going through everything I had packed to ensure I was prepared and did not require any additional items.
I spent a lot of time that morning continuously reaching for my VID (Very Important Documents) folder which included my passport, visa and a multitude of other important legal documents which I could not afford to lose, otherwise I would not have a hope of passing through US Pre-Clearance. Watching the airport shuttle bus drive past the hotel in the cool morning wind and my suitcases being safely stowed away on board, I realised that this was definitely happening, that I was leaving my home and my family to travel alone and study abroad for a year. I felt nervous and slightly uncertain, but I knew I was excited and determined to make the most of my year and these latter feelings triumphed by the time the shuttle bus reached the airport.
Everything flew by in a veritable whirlwind of activity, from checking in and collecting my numerous aeroplane tickets to meeting other Study USA students and jointly tackling several rounds of security with them. Saying goodbye to my parents was hard, but they knew that I was excited to commence my adventure and instead of saying goodbye, we opted for the ‘see you later’ approach. Before long, our flight was boarding and suddenly I was cut off from Ireland and had to resort to peering out from a stranger’s cabin window to catch my last glimpse of that Emerald Isle before it was lost to the thick cloud. I instantly became yet another Irish traveller heading for the far-flung land of the United States, and the thought made me smile.
Several hours, in-flight films and patchy handfuls of fitful dozing later, we were informed that we had arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. I was to wait here for around four hours until my connecting flight to the much smaller airport of Cedar Rapids. Collecting my bags and gathering my friends, we headed outside to make our way to respective terminals. After saying goodbye and wishing each other all the very best, I found myself alone in an unknown land.
I had never set foot in the United States until that moment.
Should you ever ask me how I felt that moment when I stepped out of a plane to be hit by the sun in Atlanta, I would confess to not remembering much. ‘Jet lag’ is not an accurate description for the confusing state the weary traveller finds oneself in after a long-haul flight. ‘Jet Coma’ is a far better term.
Yet, a thrilling sense of excitement overcame me. To the bustling crowds in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport, I must have looked quite the sight, the grinning lone traveller that I was.
Hours past and I was content to sit back and watch the world around me. I have always enjoyed listening to accents and engaging in people watching, so the colourful blur of people and voices that surrounded me that afternoon was both interesting and peaceful. However, the terror that grips the heart of every weary traveller was to strike out – my connecting flight was delayed by an hour. Fighting the urge to tug my hair out in frustration, I simply bought coffee and snack bars, tugged out a book and proceeded to playing the waiting game. I also messaged my family and friends back home, taking comfort in their replies.
Before long, I saw two girls from the corner of my eye whispering to each other and throwing glances in my direction. Hearing rapid French, I was instantly intrigued and remembered an email that my International Advisor at Coe had recently sent me – there were two other international students on my flight to Cedar Rapids. It appears these girls were those students, and the three of us were uncertain as to how to introduce ourselves! I did laugh when I listened to their conversation as they said how they had found my Facebook page, thought the girl with the blonde hair beside them was me, and should they speak first? Eventually, our shared tired shyness was overcome and we started talking. Upon discovering their flight had been cancelled for two days straight, I realised I may be stuck in Atlanta for longer than I had previously imagined. Such is the wonders of modern air travel, I thought wryly.
Well, before long it was announced that our flight would be taking off (two hours later than scheduled) but as it was fully booked, those with ‘seat request’ tickets may not be able to board. Of course, as a wonderful living example of Murphy’s Law, that had to be me. Realising Northern Irish mannerisms of meekly accepting such a result and quietly making way would not aid me, I commenced a very American battle of wills with the airline staff. I had to attend college the following day to begin Orientation and I had a very patient fella waiting to collect me this evening at the airport. I did not know the area around Atlanta regarding hotels and had already travelled all day to reach here, I argued. I needed to be on the plane tonight. Needless to say, within twenty minutes I was on board with the welcomes and well-wishes for college and my new life in America from aforementioned airline staff ringing in my ears.
Two hours later I landed in Cedar Rapids airport, feeling beyond exhausted and very much desiring sleep. I met my lovely international advisor and the President of the International Students’ Club who helped collect my luggage and drove me to campus. I was presented with my dorm key, several forms relating to Residence Life to complete and escorted to my dorm to find two of my three roommates there unpacking. To my surprise, they seemed genuinely excited to meet me! Everyone was extremely warm and welcoming, and I was able to make up my bed with the sheets kindly provided by Coe and commence unpacking.
Before long I was forced to call it a night - or a morning, goodness knows what because time had operated as a flat circle – and sleepily clambered into bed. Times and dates regarding Orientation events were clanging about in my head and as tired as I was, I was excited to get started into my new life as a college student in America.
To have been selected to represent both Northern Ireland and my university abroad in an ambassadorial capacity was – and still is - truly an honour and to study a different subject in a new educational system was an exciting challenge. I cannot thank the British Council enough for this unique opportunity.
After a series of application forms and interviews during my second year of university, I no doubt broke the sound barrier when I discovered my acceptance email and excitedly shouted the news to my parents. I am convinced to this day I was given a place as after having talked to my interviewers for forty-five odd minutes, they were probably afraid I would proceed to filibuster them if unsuccessful! I was simply overjoyed. After completing my Winter examinations –to this day I am uncertain as to how exactly I managed to survive Contract law - it was straight back to the books to research the participating colleges in preparation for my ‘Matching interview’ whereby I would be placed at an American college. My research simply stoked my excitement further and increased my desire to participate as fully as possible on the programme, to immerse myself into campus life and the student community.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been selected to attend Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as right from the moment the college’s homepage loaded on my internet browser I felt an immediate connection – love at first sight, you might say! The class sizes and structure were small enough to allow for discussions and greater professor interaction and there was a vast array of classes available to study. There was even a Pre-Law degree option which piqued my interest as a potential means to expand upon my knowledge of Law in a different jurisdiction to compliment my own legal studies. Life on campus sounded fantastic, from the many student organisations and societies to the recreational activities such as the gym or swimming pool. The campus itself looked the ‘perfect fit’ – small enough for me not to feel overwhelmed and lost, and therefore easier to make friends and big enough so that it felt like a little village at the same time. Reading about the college’s history and mission statement, with special emphasis on the aim of increasing mutual respect, understanding and acceptance for students from all backgrounds, cultures, religions etc. I instantly knew I had to consider this college.
My Matching Interview occurred on a Saturday morning, and with the gentle Spring sunshine streaming through the office window I felt as though I was in a courtroom, submitting my arguments to two learned Judges! Not that my interviewers were austere or cold, mind you. I just recall feeling that I had to strongly propose why I should be matched with these colleges. I remember attempting to describe the connection I felt instantly with Coe, watching as my interviewers smiled.
Weeks passed and summer exams crept nearer. I remember sitting in Starbucks with my mother as we took a break from shopping – I had dragged this poor unfortunate soul into Belfast after she had finished work to help me in my tiresome quest to purchase a dress for the upcoming student Law Society Ball – and I was checking my university email to see whether today would be the day I discovered where I was going in America. I nearly dropped my coffee in exhilaration as I read how I had been placed at Coe College; thankfully my mother rescued the coffee, my phone and myself as I swayed excitedly on my seat. From that point onward it was quite the juggle between completing multiple forms and documents to acquire my student visa, completing online forms to enrol into my college (including submitting an application via the infamous Common Application system. UCAS, come back for all is forgiven) and also studying for my Summer Examinations for Queen’s. By day I was rattling off yet again my date of birth and address for another form and by night I was attempting to conquer the joy that is Northern Irish Land Law. Fortunately, I succeeded in all aspects!
The summer was a whirlwind of undertaking work experience at a commercial law firm in London, to swiftly preparing the required paperwork for the US Consulate to obtain my Student Visa, for Coe College and for the British Council. I had to consider what to bring, what to leave behind, and how on earth a five foot five and a half (I am very defensive of that additional half) girl was going to manage carrying a brimming suitcase over half her weight around multiple airports.
Suddenly I was counting down the days until I flew out from Dublin and embarked on my American adventure. I am amazed at how quickly time passed. It scarcely felt real, for I was used to talking about Study USA as an event to occur in the far-flung future, not within a few days. Discussing packing with my parents, going to my bank to enquire about international wiring, attending the British Council’s pre-departure orientation sessions… It certainly hit home that I was indeed going away for the full academic year. I had, until this year, never moved out, so I knew that would be a new experience in itself. I realised I would miss my family a lot and also my friends; knowing they would complete their final year and graduate this summer without me was saddening to think about.
I knew however that I would have a fantastic year abroad, full of new challenges, classes, friends and great moments. I had always desired to travel to and study in America so this was indeed a dream come true. As I held my newly delivered visa in my hands, I was thoroughly excited to fly out (although a little less enthusiastic about early flights and waiting for connecting flights) and discover what opportunities lay in wait for me. I knew that I would have the support of my family and friends and also of the British Council and wonderful International Student Advisors at Coe, so I would not feel alone. I could not wait to meet my three roommates, participate in Orientation activities and discover the student community on campus. The year was certainly going to be what I made of it, and I fully intended to seize the unique opportunity afforded to me by Coe College and the British Council and enjoy every moment of it.
Part Two: In Which the Day of Departure Dawns.
The morning of the 18th August arrived abruptly and for a moment I was confused as I peered about in the dark room. Why was I not in my bedroom? Why was I up at such a ridiculously early hour? Then I remembered that today was the day I was due to fly out from Dublin and fifteen hours later, hopefully arrive in Cedar Rapids – my home for the year.
My parents and I had travelled from our home to Dublin on the 17th and it had been a surreal feeling to reflect upon the fact that I would not be in the car when my parents made the return trip home. It had been stranger yet to complete writing my suitcase tags, mouthing the words ‘Coe College, Cedar Rapids’ or ‘Iowa, USA’ under my breath in astonishment. My parents and I had had a lovely last dinner in our hotel in Dublin and we had spent the night going through everything I had packed to ensure I was prepared and did not require any additional items.
I spent a lot of time that morning continuously reaching for my VID (Very Important Documents) folder which included my passport, visa and a multitude of other important legal documents which I could not afford to lose, otherwise I would not have a hope of passing through US Pre-Clearance. Watching the airport shuttle bus drive past the hotel in the cool morning wind and my suitcases being safely stowed away on board, I realised that this was definitely happening, that I was leaving my home and my family to travel alone and study abroad for a year. I felt nervous and slightly uncertain, but I knew I was excited and determined to make the most of my year and these latter feelings triumphed by the time the shuttle bus reached the airport.
Everything flew by in a veritable whirlwind of activity, from checking in and collecting my numerous aeroplane tickets to meeting other Study USA students and jointly tackling several rounds of security with them. Saying goodbye to my parents was hard, but they knew that I was excited to commence my adventure and instead of saying goodbye, we opted for the ‘see you later’ approach. Before long, our flight was boarding and suddenly I was cut off from Ireland and had to resort to peering out from a stranger’s cabin window to catch my last glimpse of that Emerald Isle before it was lost to the thick cloud. I instantly became yet another Irish traveller heading for the far-flung land of the United States, and the thought made me smile.
Several hours, in-flight films and patchy handfuls of fitful dozing later, we were informed that we had arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. I was to wait here for around four hours until my connecting flight to the much smaller airport of Cedar Rapids. Collecting my bags and gathering my friends, we headed outside to make our way to respective terminals. After saying goodbye and wishing each other all the very best, I found myself alone in an unknown land.
I had never set foot in the United States until that moment.
Should you ever ask me how I felt that moment when I stepped out of a plane to be hit by the sun in Atlanta, I would confess to not remembering much. ‘Jet lag’ is not an accurate description for the confusing state the weary traveller finds oneself in after a long-haul flight. ‘Jet Coma’ is a far better term.
Yet, a thrilling sense of excitement overcame me. To the bustling crowds in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport, I must have looked quite the sight, the grinning lone traveller that I was.
Hours past and I was content to sit back and watch the world around me. I have always enjoyed listening to accents and engaging in people watching, so the colourful blur of people and voices that surrounded me that afternoon was both interesting and peaceful. However, the terror that grips the heart of every weary traveller was to strike out – my connecting flight was delayed by an hour. Fighting the urge to tug my hair out in frustration, I simply bought coffee and snack bars, tugged out a book and proceeded to playing the waiting game. I also messaged my family and friends back home, taking comfort in their replies.
Before long, I saw two girls from the corner of my eye whispering to each other and throwing glances in my direction. Hearing rapid French, I was instantly intrigued and remembered an email that my International Advisor at Coe had recently sent me – there were two other international students on my flight to Cedar Rapids. It appears these girls were those students, and the three of us were uncertain as to how to introduce ourselves! I did laugh when I listened to their conversation as they said how they had found my Facebook page, thought the girl with the blonde hair beside them was me, and should they speak first? Eventually, our shared tired shyness was overcome and we started talking. Upon discovering their flight had been cancelled for two days straight, I realised I may be stuck in Atlanta for longer than I had previously imagined. Such is the wonders of modern air travel, I thought wryly.
Well, before long it was announced that our flight would be taking off (two hours later than scheduled) but as it was fully booked, those with ‘seat request’ tickets may not be able to board. Of course, as a wonderful living example of Murphy’s Law, that had to be me. Realising Northern Irish mannerisms of meekly accepting such a result and quietly making way would not aid me, I commenced a very American battle of wills with the airline staff. I had to attend college the following day to begin Orientation and I had a very patient fella waiting to collect me this evening at the airport. I did not know the area around Atlanta regarding hotels and had already travelled all day to reach here, I argued. I needed to be on the plane tonight. Needless to say, within twenty minutes I was on board with the welcomes and well-wishes for college and my new life in America from aforementioned airline staff ringing in my ears.
Two hours later I landed in Cedar Rapids airport, feeling beyond exhausted and very much desiring sleep. I met my lovely international advisor and the President of the International Students’ Club who helped collect my luggage and drove me to campus. I was presented with my dorm key, several forms relating to Residence Life to complete and escorted to my dorm to find two of my three roommates there unpacking. To my surprise, they seemed genuinely excited to meet me! Everyone was extremely warm and welcoming, and I was able to make up my bed with the sheets kindly provided by Coe and commence unpacking.
Before long I was forced to call it a night - or a morning, goodness knows what because time had operated as a flat circle – and sleepily clambered into bed. Times and dates regarding Orientation events were clanging about in my head and as tired as I was, I was excited to get started into my new life as a college student in America.