December 4th, 2015 | Uncategorized
Today, I had my last day of class for the semester at Trinity. This means I’m halfway done with my time here in Ireland, which is absolutely insane to think about. I decided to take this time and reflect on my first semester and how everything has progressed.
Trinity outreach program:
The kids I coach have gone from knowing nothing about basketball to being obsessed with coming in and showing me how they’ve been practicing their follow through, their jump stop, or their between the legs dribble. I look forward to the days I get to coach because I love seeing them come in so excited to play basketball and so energetic. They’ve given me a new outlook on life, as each time I get the opportunity to be with them, I try to think about how I can have a positive effect on their day and eventually their life.
Basketball:
Meteors: I went from being nervous about being on a new team and wondering what the team would be like to being welcomed with open arms and surrounded by laughs at all times, along with having a coach who genuinely wants the best for us. We have high expectations for ourselves, and I have had a blast with the competition and physicality of the games played here.
Trinity: In contrast to college basketball in America, the college teams here in Ireland are strictly just for fun. Being surrounded by girls who purely play to get to know people and enjoy the game of basketball is so much fun. It has made me develop a new appreciation for the game that I love.
Schoolwork:
Although I still have finals left and this may have been one of the most stressful weeks of my life (maybe got a total of 6 hours of sleep?!), it’s insane to think about how much I’ve learned in just a few months. I’ve met so many people from all different places, and working with them has taught me even more. Only halfway done with my course, I already feel like my knowledge of business can be applied to my work in the future.
Me:
Looking back, I really have grown so much as a person since my arrival in August. Even the smallest, seemingly unimportant things, have affected me. Believe it or not, I’ve never had to do my own grocery shopping! In college, I had an unlimited meal plan and at home that job usually went to my parents. Living on my own now (with Emily of course) has left me to do food shopping, cook, clean, etc. for myself. With the risk that I now sound like a lazy bum, this has given me a new appreciation for all that my parents have done for me, as well as made me even more independent. Being in another country has made me appreciate home, family, and friends more than I ever have before. On the other hand, it has given me the chance to develop new relationships that make me forget about missing those at home. It has forced me to come out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and learn new things. I can even say I’m comfortable using public transportation now!
I have had to manage my time and priorities more than I ever have, with added responsibilities and the important job of being a mentor and role model. Overall, I feel like I’ve changed for the better, with new and exciting things, events, and people giving me new energy and life. I love the mission I am trying to accomplish here along with the other Victory Scholars and all of Sport Changes Life, and I can’t wait to see what is coming in the second half of my time here.
Victory Scholar: Meghan McGuinness
Present University: Trinity College Dublin
US League Partner: MAAC
Club/Community Partner: Meteors Ladies Basketball
Alma Mater: Niagara University
Sponsored by:Teamwear Ireland
