January 22nd, 2016 | Uncategorized
As I sat in the concert hall at the University of Limerick for Kelsey’s graduation from her program last year, I began to reflect on a lot of things. I thought about my own time in Ireland. More specifically, I reflected on my first 5 months in this wonderful country, the next and final 4 months I have, as well as all the awesome relationships I’ve made in between.
It truly is amazing how quickly you can become so close with a person. I reflected on this very concept as I attended the graduation as her “substitute family,” since her family couldn’t make it. However, as I watched the graduation, and cheered her on as she received her diploma, I realized I wasn’t a substitute at all. In just three months, Kelsey and I went from having never spoken to each other, let alone having met each other, to being such close friends that we could be considered family.
Having a previous scholar be back in Limerick with me has helped me in so many ways. Not only has it been awesome to play basketball with her, but it has also been great to have someone that has been in my very spot. She has experienced everything that I am going through, which makes it so nice to be able to come to her and ask for some coaching tips, or blog advice, or even to help think of a great instagram caption for the SCL page.
Sitting in the concert hall is when it hit me that in a year’s time, it will be me walking across that stage. Although right now, it feels like an eternity away, I know it will be here before I know it. I’m sure Kelsey would agree and say the same thing happened to her.
With that being said, I look back at all the amazing things I have gotten to experience, and take part in during my first semester in Ireland. Although I am very grateful and appreciative, I am still not satisfied. I have another semester to explore, play the amazing sport I love, help out in the community, as well as to personally grow and take in every opportunity that comes my way. I think about how quickly the first semester came and went, and I can only imagine how quickly this next semester will go. It is my personal goal to make this final half of my year the very best it can be!
Victory Scholar: Sarah Benedetti
Present University: University of Limerick
US League: NEC
Club/Community Partner: UL Huskies
Alma Mater: St. Francis College
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
