In reflexion, I’d say the biggest difference in living in Ireland and America is the way time is kept. In America, “If you’re early you’re on time, and if you’re on time, you’re late.” Even all throughout the years of undergrad time management was huge. Being a full-time student athlete meant keeping a tight schedule. I made a lot of to-do lists, I had calendars all over, and of course I kept a planner handy. It was engrained in me by coaches, teachers, and family that showing value to other’s time was also showing respect to that person. In Ireland, I find that time is just not that serious, haha. My professors come to class late. My teammates don’t come to practice 15 minutes early. Most meetings start 10 minutes after the official start time. Here, things are just a lot more laid back. It’s not something that’s ever really crossed my mind until I got here. I just think it’s funny how when you live somewhere for so long you just automatically assume that everyone else is living the same way. It works out here. It’s almost as if everyone has an understanding of sorts. I’m definitely enjoying the wiggle room now but hopefully I can switch back to old habits when it’s time to go back home.
