January 13th, 2015 | Uncategorized
Before I came to Ireland I decided that I would spend my few week’s winter break travelling from country to country to get the “most of my experience”. The idea sounded great, but after a few months of relying on Face Time and text messages, I realized how much more enjoyable Christmas would be with my family. My sister would have to set the table by herself and I wouldn’t be there to help clean the squid (which is grossly a cherished tradition) in the morning for Christmas Eve dinner.
After coming to terms that I needed to go home, I sneakily and strategically made a plan. I told my parents I was spending the break in Germany and Paris with classmates and other Victory Scholars, and I booked my flight the morning my mom and dad were visiting me here in Ireland. It was the best decision I could have made.
Although, the guilt of having my family believe I wasn’t coming home was eating away at me! They all, from my cousins to aunts and uncles gave me nothing but love and support as they encouraged me to do what I wanted, which was to travel even if it meant I wouldn’t be home with them. So…I ended up cracking and telling my parents and sister about a week before I came home. I think they were a little excited as I showed them my flight itinerary over Face Time. The confusion of what “NY” meant was followed by 10-15 seconds of silence until my mom finally asked if I was coming home!
The next night (which made my decision even greater) my sister gets engaged the next night to her boyfriend! Yay! They are a wonderful couple, and I could not be happier for them and the life they will make together. Needless to say, when I got home I was more jolly than Santa and thankful for what I have than ever before. Showing up on doorsteps and surprising the rest of my family really showed how much I was going to be missed by not being there, and how lucky and grateful I am for them.
Being here on this amazing journey as a Victory Scholar not only has brought me to a different country to experience the culture and have a great influence on the community, but its helped me take a step back to really understand what I have, and be thankful for it. I realize that not many have the family, the support, love and encouragement that I do, and knowing this motivates and pushes me to give these simple things to the kids I work with every time I see them.
Victory Scholar: Jennifer Morabito
Sport League: MAAC League
Present University: Trinity College Dublin
Alma Mater: Canisus College
