Day 2 in Belfast

Today we went on a tour of Belfast on a cool double decker bus. The tour was about an hour and half, we had a good amount of stops all over Belfast; ranging from the Titanic, to Belfast Castle, and the Peace Wall. It was so interesting to go into Nothern Ireland after being in Dublin city limits for so long. It was a major shift in the Irish pride and more Celtic feel to more a British/American feel. The city was easier to navigate than Dublin and the buildings were bigger. Over all it was an education in the politic tension happening in Ireland. It was very interesting to see firsthand and feel the emotions of the conflict.

It was definitely hard to be around what felt like a negative atmosphere and more dangerous ambiance in the air. The hatred, anger, and sadness was definitely palpable everywhere. Hearing the stories of the conflict between the Catholics and Protestants was so very interesting. But beneath that, the conflict within Ireland is more so about the politics. Northern Ireland is part of the U.K., and they identify as the UK and not as Ireland, serving the Queen of England. Whereas  in parts of Belfast and in Dublin there is a heavy spirit of Irish culture and for the orange/white/green.

Hearing stories about the fighting and the aftermath of people’s losses from both sides was important to know. It’s such an interesting civil conflict within their nation, but it’s really two separate nations in one. But they both do say they are Irish, just different flags they’re loyal too. I wonder if it will ever resolve itself? I would sure hope so. I could just feel that tension in the air and it was not very pleasant. Things closed early and I felt an urgency to stay in the hotel as soon as the sun began to set.

There is an actual wall called the peace wall that separates the Protestants and the Catholics. But it’s more like those who identify with the United Kingdom and those who are traditional Irish. It’s strange that there are actual barriers to keep them apart, and both sides are completely different! The protestant side is more like a British feel, whereas the Catholic side was like Dublin and had Gaelic writing. Watching the kids play was what fascinated me knowing that some of them might not be able to go over to play with the kids on the other side? 

Seeing the murals on the walls and the reminder that this conflict is still so fresh, made me think about everything happening worldwide that I know nothing about. I’m very centralized on North American news, I really never consider what’s going on outside of the world. As a leader how would one go about situations like this? How do great leaders find the right diplomacy to navigate these issues? 

First Day in Belfast

We left very early this morning after settling in UCDublin for a couple of days. It's been exciting to be constantly moving and seeing new perspectives of Ireland. I just wish my backpack wasn't so heavy, I'm about to abandon my luggage, but then I remember how much I need everything inside them. Plus the workout I'm getting is a bonus when I'm eating so much every day. The food is really good, I like the variety of choices. Plus it's just fun to try what different foods you can find either Irish or popular in the Area.

Today we saw the Titanic docks! I actually loved Titanic and I really liked the section in world history. So I was excited for today. It was neat to see physical/historical ties to Titanic. The docking location is really massive in person, impressive considering time period and man power behind it's manifestation. Our tour guide was very nice and she had the nicest things to say about us. She also did the whole tour in heels, more power to her.

Norman Apley sure knows his science. I was stunned by how he could pull out so much quantum knowledge out of his back pocket. His quiz was definitely more tricky than I was prepared for.

The day was filled with great guest speakers, one after the other. My favorite part of the day was when there was an award given to Colm McGoldrick for his tumultous year due to cancer. It was inspiring to hear his story and to see many examples of leadership today. The way everything was orchestrated and executed was heart warming, especially after my own trying day. Seeing him get rewarded for his accomplishments and to have him smiling and alive was a uplifting. The biggest take away for me today of leadership is the acknowledgement and the actions you exhibit. Though many leaders can talk the talk, the important part to me is if they can walk the walk. Today I saw that.

Second Day Groupnos

Today was a hard day. Early this morning I received bad news from home that a family member was gone. Unfortunately that was the extent of info I received before heading into Groupnos, and I could not access WiFi all morning (though I tried).  So I thought maybe it’s not as bad as I imagine if no one has gotten a hold of me. Thus, I decided to buck up and move forward with our last work day for the week. We went through a friendly pitch at  a nearby company that Enda had setup prior to our arrival. This presentation was also the fruit of our efforts from the previous day. The presentation was good, we received more feedback and had some more rearranging/ editing to do.

After the pitch, I had a notification on my phone from Facebook from one of my friends. She was, “sad to learn about such tragic news.” After reading this, I was super worried about what it could be. Then I found a family member who was awake back home. I found out one of my family members had passed away. Very unexpected he was young, full of life, and such a jokester. I still can’t believe it.

Afterward, I tried to keep composure but it hit me like a ton of bricks. I went to the bathroom and could not control the waves of sadness and tears falling-I felt like I was going to faint. I could not breathe, think, or speak. I just felt pain, like everything was coming undone inside me.

Thankfully my group members took care of me. They got me back to UCDublin and made sure I was okay. It was a great kindness and compassion I am grateful for-having just met them and being in foreign lands. Enda was the most understanding. He excused me immediately and paid for the cab back to UCD. I asked Scott to carry on for me and get the job done nonetheless. I would be fine. (Which I would be after collecting myself and calling home)

It was an unforeseen tragedy, that no one can make sense of. To get through that and have the support and condolences of our Ireland group, really gave me strength; to not feel alone. Today they became a family to me, my group a team.  I experienced so much in one day. Most of all the compassion of others (particularly from Mani, Scott, and Enda). In the professional atmosphere, as leaders we all did our best to handle the situation. It’s still forever changed my life, and a great heartbreak to bear. Ireland gave me some salvation and a place to be strong.

First Day with Groupnos

So today we met for the first time with our companies. It was a day that I've been scared for, mostly because I do not know much about business. With all of the documents our leader sent to us, and preparation for our meeting I certainly felt insecure about meeting the expectations. Additionally, because I wanted to pull my own weight in our team, especially being the only female. There was quite some pressure I was feeling about today. But it turned out really great. Our leader Edna Madden was very welcoming, nice, and he was clear about communicating our strategy for the day. Initially I was scared it would be a cold business man with lots of business vocabulary that would go over my head. I was surprised to find out how much I had to contribute and that Edna was listening to my ideas as well. 

Overall our group dynamics turned out well. Mani really helped us develop a structure and got the ball rolling for the group. I am very thankful for his experience and business knowledge. Scott is really great keeping the conversation going and it is nice to know that he has a similar health background like me. It made me feel better about our project knowing that we come from different areas that combine to make is a good team for Edna. I also think he really enjoyed that as well. 

I'm a lot less intimated about going back in tomorrow and getting to work with the guys. Hopefully I can be a good team member and we can be as productive as we can; to help out Edna as much as we possibly can. I'm excited to see how our end results develop and learning more about how we function as a group. This was an amazing day, I am surprised at how much I really enjoyed the business aspects. 

Iveagh House/ Dail

Today we went to see a very fancy Iveagh House and the Irish parliament the Dail. The Iveagh house was such a fancy, beautiful building! It reminded me of Pemberly in Pride and Prejudice. So elegant and the tea we had was amazing, might have had a little too much. The talk we had was really refreshing because it was the first time I have been able to bring up health care and to bring in my Public Health education. I was curious about Irish health care and the awesome Public Health measures they have around Ireland.

Built Environment-Dublin is kept  quite clean, everyday I see the roads and streets being swept. Trash cans and every restroom I’ve been in has been very clean. (Even in the pubs) Parks are nearby and also well managed. Bike lanes, excellent crosswalk systems, accessibility to buildings.

Environmental Health- Ireland is really so very green! Nature surround us and even within the city it’s so gorgeously green and luscious. There is a big conscienceness here for conservation. With all of the building the energy conservation is amazing. You have to use your hotel key rooms inserted in order to access outlets. Also all the outlets have their own individual switches that you have to turn on. Toilets have the green features, toilet paper/ hand towels are used sparingly. There are absolutely no plastic it bags at shopping locations (malls/grocery stores/resteraunts) without a 20 cent fee. I love that! 

Really there are so many examples of interesting public health ideas and I’m happily surprised to be inspired by the conscientiousness/implementation of Ireland.

These were things that I mentioned during the Iveagh house discussion that I really thought about walking from around Dublin today. Additonally while we were able to see the Dail in session. It reminded me a lot of the Navajo Nation Council sessions at home. There were people getting fired up and debating, questioning each other’s motives, and the setup looked similar. We were able to get a tour of the Dail and see the architecture and paintings inside. The same person who designed the building, also desgined the White House, I definitely could see in the carvings and columns within the building. 

Ultimately today was another awesome day. My favorite part was watching a lady, who was a member of the small party here, debate with all of the other officials (who were mostly men). Since the election results were just posted it was interesting to see the community responses and the aftermath. I’m not entirely sure what the results were, but it was interesting to see the different opinions at the Dail.

Guest Speakers

First day at UCDublin campus. After an eventful bus ride taking everyone’s luggage and squishing into the full double decker bus-we made it to the classroom. On a side note: those Irish bus drivers are so kind! Helping you navigate, taking time to wait for you to catch your bearings, and just a little bit more politeness for those catching the bus, especially American tourists.

Preparing mentally for the day of guest speakers and a little worrisome about recalling the reading was a good start. Overall the day was packed with great information, accents, and PowerPoint slides to help for the business days with our companies. There were quite long presentations and take away thoughts. So I’ll condense this into a more concise format:

Andrew Parish

His great ideas about harnessing offshore energy using buoys was fascinating. As a presenter I liked how straight forward Andrew was and his bluntness really caught my attention. He was a very likable person with opinions and ideas willing to share, if prompted.  One of the things I struggle with is being too nice and fickle. His advice on being clear with your goals and to be honest were refreshing to hear about. Instead of pleasing with sugar coating, there is more benefit from being more open, clear, and listening. His lessons from failure were far more valuable than constantly hearing about the successes of other corporations.

As a student and a human I deeply understand making mistakes. I have always been told by my family, “Don’t fear mistakes. Try to avoid them and not to repeat them-but don’t fear it. There is no better way to live than to learn.” This was what echoed through my mind during his lecture. Something I try to master is to avoid repeating mistakes. His lecture made me feel better about not worrying about being on a stage and that, “leadership is a humbling experience.”

My favorite quote of his was, “You have two ears and one mouth-use them in that ratio.”

Professor Cunningham

This one was one of my favorites of the day. His lecture on cows and biological influence might not have been expected with the rest of the business theme. As a public health student and some science background this was something I was able to, finally, understand exactly.

The growing field of public health is on the brink of technological frontiers for health and to start making impacts that affect traceability. His was a great amalgamation of business and public health to connect my presence on this trip. I really liked how the company was built by academics and the research behind the product. I think that this is very important to the world and for health policy all over. A huge movement for: public health officials, governments, and for food security.  It’s so interesting what new technology can be built for and how it can be used across fields.

Paul Bryne

“WOW”

I really liked the emphasis on the customer and on quality. As a consumer it’s nice to have that considered and not to completely be profit driven.  Instead of pushing sales, it’s nice to take a step back and also think about how your own likability is important.

His advice on failing was great too. “Learn from mistakes, fail fast, learn, and move on,” instead of beating yourself up, it’s also very important to pick yourself back up. I think that as leaders when a devastating setback happens it’s hard to move forward, when you try so hard to be proactive. When you are in a leadership role failure is definitely a scary notion. To have to lead people when they expect knowledgeable leaders not to make mistakes, can be a lot of pressure.

This really made me think about myself and my own credibility.  Thinking, “Why should people follow me? Why should they do what I say?” I think that is vastly important, instead of feeling entitled to lead people.

Peter Lenox

One of the core parts of leadership that I don’t really think about is mentorhip. How important it is that you’re not just telling people what to do and trying to get yourself ahead. To encourage others and as a leader to take time to coach, instead of manipulate. The integral parts of my success can be attributed to those who took time to encourage me to help me down my own path. Those teachers who have guided me and also wished for success for me too, have been the reason I did not give up.

Favorite quote was, “If you help them get what they want, they can help you get what you want.” The principle of reciprocity is big in Navajo culture. It is something ingrained in me; to have balance in life. This harmony is important as a leader and what I saw connected with presentation.

Kieran Daly

Kieran is a very delightful person, his voice was non-threatening.  The lesson I liked from his lecture was about repurposing. After he wanted to pursue computer science but ended up in international business, but he still found a way to combine and do something that was still relateable. This is always my search and insecurity-to follow my passion and hopefully be good at it.

Another health connection, made this lecture interesting once more. I liked his product! The idea of it kept the wheels turning in my brain. Adhearance to medication and compliance are huge in health care and for public health officials to find a way for it to happen in the complex world of behaviors. So to hear about devices and technological solutions to assist was something I didn't really think about. How to improve adherence to antibiotics to diabetes and make them more accurate by developing a product, blew my mind.

Both business and public health connections were the most intriguing to me. It’s nice to know there are options out there. That it doesn't have to be one or the other, you can build the life you want and live it. 

Howth

Today is a freeday, yay! Time to explore and see what is out and about here in Ireland-I’m super excited. On the way to Howth, a small sea port town 30 minutes outside of Dublin. Locating O’connell station and taking the Dart was the best experience to really immersing myself into the community and to familiarize with the street locations. Additionally going as a half a group to sightsee was a fun bonding experience.

Our group for the day consisted of: Kaleigh, Bob, Brett, Mani, Rahul, Anna, Beven, David, and Patrick. Heading over was great we made it to Howth and decided to see the closest lighthouse and eat some lunch. Goal of the day was to head back by 2pm to see about tickets for a soccer/ football match against Turkey. The town was more beautiful than I was picturing, it reminded me a lot of New England, but greener. It was a sleepy little town we got there about 9 am, and the shops we’re barely setting up to open! It’s funny how businesses around Dublin and Howth are more relaxed about opening and they close really early, like around 6 or 8pm (even on Fridays).

The day went well! Highlight of the trip was taking a fun group picture on the rocks with Rahuls camera. I also had the BEST lobster ever at a nice little restaurant. However our lunch was cute super short because we literally had to run and catch the DART back into Dublin. It was an eat now taste later kind of situation. I took the biggest bites and I didn’t finish my salad or boiled potatoes. Which was a shame because that was the best meal I have had in such a very long time…The sea side was picturesque, a nice change from Dublin city life, and to see the water was absolutely lovely! Howth was a great trip-thanks Kaleigh! 

Kilmanham Jail/ Guinness

Ireland’s history is so rich and similar to Navajo culture. Today we went to visit the Kilmanham Jail in Dublin. It was historically the first of its kind (at the time) to change the way that jails were operated. Originally jails housed many convicted persons, men/women/children, into one large room. This was not conducive to setting a precedent of “punishment”, often times it was social, drinking, fighting, and one large group of people who housed for an amount of time. When the new Irish officials realized this was not necessarily teaching them a lesson, they enforced stricter punishment.

 A new form to be used: isolation, constant surveillance, and reflection. Thus the jail was built to house one felon per cell, built to be viewed by the guards at all times, and to enforce them to only see light when thinking of how to reform themselves. In theory this seemed like the solution to the strict Irish officials however it soon became a problem in numbers, the famine, and the limestone additionally not accounted for to house those convicted. (guilty or not) A lot of the jail did house women and children who were caught stealing food during the famine. It was a very strong somber presence and to see the jail and feel the cold dampness in the summertime, only made me think about the winter conditions.

Hearing the more serious topics of Ireland first really helped me to grasp the history and to think of the country in its context. Before arriving I really did not know much at all! This gave me more of a connection to Irish history and to the sacrifices they had to pay for their country. Especially for those who died in signing the Irish Declaration of Independence. It was a stark contrast to the signing of the American Independence.

Afterward we switched up the mood by touring the Guinness factory. It was really fun to see the factory after hearing so much about it, and see all of the Guinness signs outside of pubs. The factory itself was loaded with tons of people and guides had said that it was a slow day. It seems to be a good source of revenue, information, and to learn more about how Irish people made Guinness. It is a fascinating process, but my favorite part of the tour was learning about the wooden barrels. They make 1,000+ handmade a week. It’s insane, how they made the barrels without any measurements or some sort of sap to make it water resistant. Overall I really enjoyed the day learning more about the beginning of Irish independence and to set the stage for the trip.

Arrival

I landed in Denver of Friday May 23rd and quite the journey it was! I started on Wednesday night leaving at 11pm from Denver. Arrived in Boston on Thursday morning at 5 am. Originally I had planned to see some friends in Providence, however, the  MBTA train did not have an early return time. So I thought it would be better not to chance missing my plane to Paris...instead I just stayed at Boston Logan, slept a bit and people watched.

After about 15 hours waiting there, I at last began boarding to AirFrance to Paris! I was absolutely ecstatic! Not only to finally be boarding (I did not actually sleep much, maybe 30mins the whole day. Also, the plane ride over from Denver was widely uncomfortable,) but also because I considered this the real beginning of my trip. 

Plane ride was good, breakfast in the morning and the flight attendants were nice. They spoke mostly French on the flight, but there were lots of translations written everywhere. It was nice that they would take time translate, it made me wonder how others are able to understand when they come to America? 

Paris airport was beautiful! Very colorful and fancy. There were many high end shops like: Chanel, Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, and all of the clocks were Rolex.  The food was absolutely amazing, even just for being airport food. I wonder what. The good stuff taste like in the city of Paris? I had the most amazing sandwich; something about the bread and cheese was magnificent! The airport itself seemed futuristic to me, it was easier to navigate for being in n entirely different language speaking country. Making it to my gate was not so difficult as I imagined. I waited about four hours there- tasting food, buying postcards, and walking around my terminal. I had a lot of fun in that short period of time. Someday I would like to visit the city for at least a day or two. 

Afterward, I flew into Ireland!! Which was fantastic especially after such a long trip to arrive. I absolutely loved it!! 

Jim Lyons

We had the pleasure of meeting Jim Lyons and listening to a presentation on Ireland.

Mr. Lyons himself. Photocredit to: irishnetworkco.com

Unfortunately I arrived late because of an car accident. However I did catch the last part of his presentation.

His presentation made me very excited to be in Ireland in person and to see the characteristics that make Ireland, Ireland. His work with the Clinton administration, Ireland, and Denver was absolutely impressive. He boasted about the culture, friendliness, and talkative sides of Ireland.

Learning more about Northern Ireland and tensions within the government was fascinating, especially the differences between Northern Ireland and the United Republic of Ireland. Seeing the commitment he has for Ireland and the modesty in his words was very powerful. Additionally for his years of experience working as a leader and diplomat- I found him to be an excellent speaker. 

Hello World.

Greetings Readers!

 I am a student of UCDenver and I am doing a study abroad this summer. For two weeks I will be in Ireland! Thank you to UCDublin for the accomodations and hospitality, we will be seeing the UCD campus in Dublin. http://www.ucd.ie/

Destination-Dubin. Photo Credit to www.homestayfriend.com.

As part of the course I will be keeping a daily journal log on here to record the journey and learning experiences.

Our incredible Professor, Jan Rutherford, will be showing us the way and allowing us this opportunity. So thank you Professor  Rutherford! http://janrutherford.com/

 I would like to go to Ireland to challenge my educational preparation. To see a world I have never been able to reach before. To learn in an extraordinary way with people I have never met and a place I have never been to. Although I am a Public Health major-I believe that leadership, entrepreneurship, and international relations are very important to any field.

While I am in Ireland I will be working on a group project with a company called Groupnos. http://www.groupnos.com/ Two other students: Mani and Daniel will be my partners as we try learn more about leadership and entrepreneurship in beautiful Ireland.

This is my first trip to Ireland and over the pond. I am excited to see for myself and learn first hand about Irish culture. Let's see where we end up. I cannot wait.

Katy