As one of our eHOOPs mentoring sessions comes to an end, I can’t help but think back to when we first met this group of wonderful people. From not knowing what to expect or how they would react to some Americans wanting to get to know them and connect with them, we slowly but surely became one big family. We have had countless memories shared from the tons of intense and funny at the same time, games we have all taking part in playing in the sports hall. To the many amounts of serious business (as I like to call it) activities we have done in the lecture hall and computer lab. I can actually say I have learned a lot about Northern Ireland because of these guys. From sharing personal stories, to just funny memories I can honestly say that it is a bittersweet moment as we spent our last gathering by going out to eat at Restaurant Vila Italia which by far was excellent in quality of food, if I do say so myself. We also got the chance to go and race go-karts the week before at Need for Speed which was hilarious. (Just to name a few of the group activities we have enjoyed outside of the sports hall) I think it’s just funny to see how people drive and react to someone who is like “pedal to the medal” when on the road haha. But most importantly I am happy to hear that Sport Changes Life will be continuing on a sort of drop off at the company’s office so the group can continue to stay together and interact with each other. It’s very important to maintain that bond with people who share the same interest in you, or simply just make you feel at ease with their company. There’s no judging at eHOOPs sessions, everyone is free to be themselves, and in the words of the lads, it is “good craic.” So why wouldn’t you want something like that to continue? Our mentoring sessions where not all just about fun and games but about actually helping out the eHOOPERs, whether it be helping them make themselves a resume or cover letter, giving them techniques like the do’s and don’t of when interviewing for a job, and so on. The main focus was them which I think is the best part of the mentoring. So I want to end this blog by saying I was honored to be apart of this groups eHOOPs session.
