The Old & The New

Posted By: ShannonBrady
Posted On: March 20th, 2018
Attending: Trinity College Dublin

I’m on a bit of an emotional high as I write this blog post. This past week was one of the most memorable of my entire life, and has left my heart so incredibly full. It was months ago that nine of my friends decided to book flights to Ireland at the same time to visit me, and tomorrow morning the last one of them heads back to the states. Some were childhood friends, some college friends, some friends of friends that became friends, all basketball players, and all forever connected by this trip. 9 girls, two rental cars, and 7 days. We traveled from Dublin to Killarney to Dingle to Galway and back to Dublin for our final hurrah on St. Patrick’s Day. We laughed until we cried, drank some Guinness, ate one too many burgers, pulled over to pet sheep and horses along the way, and quite simply lived our best lives. I had been saving my trip to the west coast until my friends arrived and it didn’t disappoint. To be able to experience so much of this country that I now call home with people from home was an experience I’ll never forget.

To top it off my friends from home were able to meet all of my new friends! They finally met my infamous roommate, Kenzie Rules, who I spend 99.9% of my time with, and even my classmates and personal Dublin tour guides Hazel and Sarah. While 5 of my friends had to leave on Saint Patrick’s Day, the other three stayed and were able to meet all of the Victory Scholars at our place in Dublin. This was really the first time all of the scholars have been in once place since the Belfast Classic and it was the reunion we’d been waiting for. I can honestly say that the Victory scholars this year have a truly unique bond. We get along so well and never fail to have an amazing time when we’re together. As I looked around our apartment at my oldest friends and newest friends meeting and laughing in the heart of Dublin I couldn’t help but think: this is what it’s all about. Nothing makes me happier than connecting with people who bring out the best in me and those around them. Years from now, I know I’ll look back at this week and break out laughing or maybe even crying. I’m so grateful for the memories I’m making this year and the incredible people who I’m able to share them with. I’m headed into my last week of classes with nothing but positive energy and appreciation.

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Shannon

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