(Lauren) I came home with a tattoo, an Irish
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sister named Michaela, three full suitcases and an even fuller heart. The reverse culture shock was incredibly difficult. One of the greatest challenges was attempting to figure out who I was in the States now. I had no idea and I honestly don’t know when I will. I cannot believe how my life has changed. My values have changed. Everything. My one tip if you’re thinking about studying abroad? Know that it will change you, it will create a fire in you. You will be tested, you will
and love. Dozens who changed me forever. (Michaela) The people made the place, the place made the experience, and the experience made me. I was shaped by the time spent there, and my eyes were opened to new possibilities. I learned more about other cultures than I ever have from any textbook. I had discussions about politics with French and Irish men, I ate Korean food, drank German drinks, danced around with crazy Canadians, and explored the Irish countryside. I met people who I will carry with me in my heart for as long as I live. They don’t realize what an impact they made on my life, but I will never forget, and I will always be thankful for every single experience—good and bad. We stopped traffic, drank copious amounts of Irish coffee, ran through ruined castles and explored Italy with only a paper map. We sat in silence and we screamed out loud. We twirled in the streets of Florence, drunk on Gelato. We laughed until we cried and even cried until we laughed. We danced with Irish men and laughed at the American stereotypes. We knew that we would leave Cork changed in the best ways.
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get hurt and you will find something in yourself you may not like. Something raw, something to be treasured. And you will hold onto it for the rest of your life. (Michaela) I came home by force, kicking and screaming and bawling my eyes out. I came back with ages of wisdom, a lifetime of stories, a few hidden bottles of Murphy’s, and enough memories and life lessons to carry around with me and keep me together for years to come. Because of this experience, I now have friends from all over AZURE FALL 2015 25