Last day of Class

Today was the last day of class! Final lectures and a mini presentation of our group work to Jan. I'm really sad that this it and that it's coming to a close. Everyone will be heading out and leaving tomorrow. I'll be here in Europe (going to London and Paris) for another week, before heading back to Denver for our final presentation.

Finding the very first classroom we were in at UCDublin was quite the journey. It's funny how different your perspective can change in just two weeks. The places that start off foreign can suddenly feel like home. Walking around disoriented, lost, and out of place at first. To giving directions, having favorite places, and being mistaken for a local. I really love Ireland. Just as I settled in, it's already time to be going.

Hearing the adversity, successes, and growth from the different teams in the class was really neat. Seeing some patterns in problems but also seeing the people that they have become was amazing. We really became a family in a way and I'm so grateful for the friendships that formed. The funny stories we share and this life experience that we all had together makes it all the more special.

Additionally going back to Guiness again for the final lectures was like coming full circle, to the beginning of the trip. I really enjoyed seeing entrepreneurs give their pitches. To see their confidence and to understand what they are going through as a startup company was a great last lecture. I think I really understood how Jan built the course and how much thought he put into it. Those last lecturers would not have resonated the same if they were at any other point of the course. I was inspired by them, I hope their ventures will be successful and they get the funding they've worked hard for.

Well this is it. I am eternally grateful to have had this opportunity. When I wrote my application for the study abroad I told about the dream of a little girl who wanted to see the green and world she only saw in books/t.v.  Now I can at last tell you that after the many hardships she's weathered and after all the hard work she put into it-that dream has come true! It was better than I could have ever imagined. My words could never articulate everything I've learned, seen, and felt. It's something that has helped me grow, to have the courage to chase my dreams again, and to live a life that I love.

Thank you so very much Jan and Sheeren. This opportunity is something that I would not have been possible without you both. It is a wonderful gift you've given me, to live out my dream and to have gained so much from you. Go Rev Maith Agat, Ahehee. This Navajo gal is ready to chase another dream.

Last day at Groupnos

Today was our last day at Groupnos. It was a bittersweet day because I was happy to have completed our company assignment from Enda, but I was also sad that the trip is coming to a close.

We finished up the business plan we were on and went over it's entirety with Enda. He complimented our hard work, diversity, and for the gifts we gave him before we left. Mani gave him a model of the convention center bear in Denver Scott gave him and others in the office American $2 bills, with the signing of the declaration on the back. I decided to give him some Navajo Tea from home. After all he kept saying that the Irish people love drinking tea. He thought it was funny that we always ordered tea over coffee for work. "It's an Irish thing, were the ones who are suppose to be drinking lots of tea."

I am so grateful to have Enda as our leader. This experience working with him has been incredible. I learned so much. He is a good Irish man through and through, I'm proud to have been able to meet him. I wish him much success, happiness, and a life of beauty.

Day 3 with Groupnos

Today is the day to get things done. We only have one more day left with Groupnos so we had to definitely be productive and work our tails off. Overall we reached our goals for the day! Mani and Scott had to update me on what went on for the rest of the afternoon last Thursday. To find out the new work plan I had a little recap meeting and we set some new goals for the day.

Basically it was decided that Mani would start researching data on competitive companies and Scott and I would work on the business plan supplement. We did quite well on timing and I felt pretty good about my delivery so far. I had to do a lot of cross referencing and business vocabulary research before actually getting to the document. That was a little tedious but it wasn't so hard after I got the hang of it.

I finished well enough to start helping Mani research and we had a pretty good system. I would research and find numbers and send it to Mani to double check. Honestly I'm so glad that he is on our team, it would have been ten times harder without him. Though I suppose eventually we would get the job done, it just would require so much more work. I feel Mani was good at translating the information so well and I was just trying to prove my competency so our little system worked out well.

Thankfully Enda did not mind at all. We were getting things done and trying to minimally disturb him with questions. It was actually a fun time working alongside him in the office and to be able to have these markers checked off. I really feel like this project is heading somewhere and we can hand him a good end product.

Monday in Dublin

Today was a nice bank holiday in Dublin. Most people got the day off, as did we. So Ally, Kelly, and I decided to the Jameson tour. It's been the most difficult tour to book so far, but we finally found a working time.

Before going over I just wanted some time to relax unwind a bit. Especially because today is the funeral service to my loved one from back home. It's been a difficult day to get through being so far away. But alas I've powered through and I'm paying my respects from the most beautiful country.

Overall I have definitely preferred the Jameson tour to the Guiness. I liked how much thought and effort was put into the tour. From a museum standpoint I loved the interactions, comedy, and presentation. The tasting was fun as well. I've never tried it before the trip but it was fascinating to taste after learning about how it's made. Definitely smooth. I can see the difference in taste compared to other whiskeys, and the three distillery process makes such a difference! 

They are definitely proud of their whiskey here and I can see why. Local ingredients, Irish family, and a smooth tasting whiskey. No complaints at all. 

Belfast to Dublin

Packed up and headed back to UCDublin. Seriously so tired of my luggage, don't know if I packed clothes or rocks? It's a free day but I'm honestly pretty exhausted from the week and I need to conserve energy for this coming week. Can't believe we've been here a week, it feels like it's been a month!

Originally I wanted to tour Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire, or Dublin Castle but it's too late in the evening to make it back safely. So maybe I can just squeeze those in at a different time. Laundry, groceries, and working on some research for Groupnos today. Particularly the laundry part. Very important to dress professional on the job.

Think it's also important that I take a day to recharge my batteries. Can't burn two ends of the candle all the time, and it's important to take time to make sure you are healthy. This is going to be a slower but much needed day. As a leader finding that balance between constantly going and taking personal time is important. I think we all get caught up in deadlines and technology. It's important to take care of yourself and make sure that you are well-mind, body, and soul.

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.