Why Pursue a Degree in Ireland

After writing another guest post for the UCC International Blog, I realized I've never reflected on my degree and move to Ireland here on SEDiva. With the closing of last term and the finishing of a million projects, and with the new year and the arrival of a million more projects, I've been thinking a lot about my decisions to go back to school and to move to Ireland to do it. Last semester was a whirlwind, and it wasn't often easy. A lot of the difficulties came from culture shock and homesickness, a lot came from the drama of academia, and a lot came from the everyday drama of friendships and relationships. Most of these problems we experience no matter where we are or what we are doing. Some of these arise simply from being l'ingénue in a foreign country.

As an American, I'm often asked, why study music at University College Cork? That seems like a stupid question. A more serious one might be: why on earth move to a foreign country to get a degree at all? University is daunting enough as it is, no matter if we're pursuing our first, second, or eight degree. Choosing to go to college is a massive decision and almost always represents a turning point of some kind in our lives, a conscious decision to change in some way. Why make the already awkward transition even scarier by adding learn-about-and-assimilate-to-a-new-culture-a-thousand-miles-from-friends-and-family to the mix? Are you insane?

Moving countries is admittedly a terrifying thought, and I am unable to report that it is actually easy, so I apologize. It's a hard thing to do and a hard decision to make. It involves a lot of legally, visa-y, goverment-y things I would never have thought of before. New friends must be made, new grading systems must be learned, and in the case of an American musician, new theories and words for already known concepts must be learned (but that's a story for another post). But sitting here almost six months later, I have to say I'm finally glad I did it. We can build our lives in any way we want to, really. Where doesn't seem to be really as important as how, so make the most of wherever you are. Nowhere can be better than "here". It's the only place we'll ever really be.

The Packing Post

Ever taken a vacation? Ever flown on an airplane? Ever moved? These are all the kinds of things that require this dreaded action, this bane of our collective existence: packing. Because unless you're Christopher Robin with your little pack on a stick, you've had to pack a suitcase for all three of the situations listed above. And once again, I find myself in the packing dilemma.

I am actually moving to Ireland indefinitely (at least a year or two), so I do need to bring many things with me. But because I am renting and probably moving back to the States eventually,  I don't need to bring everything with me. Where does "many" start and "everything" begin? It's a challenge.

So I thought I'd share some bullet-pointed advice for those of you who find yourself facing the dreaded packing dilemma in the near future. Please pick and choose as you like, but I make no guarantee that this advice will alleviate the pain of packing in any way.

1. Do limit your luggage. This principle is really number one for only one reason: it costs money to bring stuff nowadays. At least they're not charging me for the extra 10 pounds I will be carrying in coats on my person.
2. Do bring only essential clothing and footwear. Phew, there's a lot packed into that pointer! What's essential? Can I bring five pairs of pants? I love shoes! A curling iron is non-essential?? How do I know when to stop? Here's a few little rules of thumb when packing clothing: 
1. Pick a one or two color schemes (depending on the length of your trip) and stick to them. For example, I love blues. So I've got a few tops, a couple of pairs of pants, and a few sweaters that are all interchangeable based on that color scheme. Throw in the odd orange tank top or red dress and you've got a couple of surprises packed as well!
2. Pack according to the weather. If you're going to the Bahamas, you probably won't need anything heavier than a light sweater. But if you're going to the Bahamas in rainy season, you're probably going to want a rain slicker. Check the weather, and bring the essentials. 
3. Shoes. Are always essential. But try to pack one or two pairs that will go with most of your outfits and then one splurge pair that goes with that LBD.

     3.  Don't bring pillows, linens, towels, etc. This one is really just here to stop me from doing it. I'll probably just sleep on a plain mattress for a couple of days until I get over jet-lag enough to get to the store. And I'll probably just use the extra space in my suitcase for shoes. 
     4. Do always bring a book. And keep it easy-access. You never know how long your flight will be delayed.
     5.  Do charge your phone and don't wear strong perfume. No matter how delish you smell, you don't want to trapped with your own afterscent for nine hours. And neither does the person next to you.
     6. Always bring your glasses, and if you can, leave all toiletrees at home. Only bring the utter essentials in the way of toiletrees. The rest you can purchase as needed later. And never forget that the air pressure in an airplane will definitely make your contacts dry up. Keep glasses and a bottle of water for hydration just in case!


Now here's a question. Can I follow my own advice? Hmmmm....