As I entered my second week of
school, I got a better feel and understanding of my classes. Most of my classes
are history centered and cover most of Irish history, from Celtic history in
the Middle Ages to Early Modern Ireland after the Middle Ages and then Ireland
since 1800. Can you tell I am a history major? When I am not in a history
class, I am either in Conversion, Sin and Virtue, a class filled only with
Saint Mary’s girls and seminarians, Political Geography, where I have learned
an extensive amount of the Irish political system and how the Irish see
American politics, or at my one credit course for just Saint Mary’s girls.
Although I am learning an abundance of information from the Irish perspective,
the classes are lecture based and allow for no class discussion, unless there
is an additional tutorial session for that class and I miss being able to contribute
my ideas in class. My classes are squished into Monday through Wednesday and I
am thankful for my four day weekends. Amidst this second week of class, were
some adventures that accompany living independently.
First off,
Monday was registration day, meaning that I had to solidify my course pickings
by an office worker inputting my information and classes into the computer
program. Now I am an official student at the National University of Ireland at
Maynooth! Besides going to class, registration was probably the highlight of my
day. Tuesday rolled around and began with an early mandatory tutorial session
on Early Modern Ireland and Great Britain with Kathleen, where we examined a
document on religion and I didn’t learn anything new except that my grad school
tutor thinks very highly of his history knowledge. I did learn in Political Geography
that day that the U.S. presidential election is like the “X Factor” according
to my Irish professor. To top my Tuesday night off it was my turn to cook
dinner, so I made some delicious pork chops with baked potatoes for my friends.
Wednesday not only held more classes, but also an additional tutorial for
Celtic History, where these older women students dominated the session with
obscure questions that distracted from the point of tutorials. As a celebration
of finishing another week of class, Kathleen and I ventured to Tesco, Ireland’s
version of Walmart, to find some American sounding snacks that we have not been
able to find at Aldi. I considered our trip somewhat successful due to the
finding of Hershey’s cookies and crème bars, Ritz crackers and Frosted Flakes,
but sadly no equivalent to Goldfish. I am still outraged that Ireland does not
know the beauty that is Goldfish; I mean they are the snack that smiles back!
Pork Chops and baked potato dinner. YUM
I love eating celery for lunch, especially with my American peanut butter!
With
Thursday being the start of my weekend, I slept in and after resting throughout
most of the day, we decided to go out to The Roost, one of the local pubs, for
some dancing and listening to the live band that night. I had a pretty good
time, dancing and singing, and will definitely be returning on future Thursdays.
By Friday, Kathleen and I wanted a treat for surviving another week in Ireland,
so we decided to walk a mile to McDonald’s for lunch. We were desperately
craving Coke and something that tasted like home. Best decision for lunch I
have ever made. The coke and fries were heavenly and the atmosphere of the
restaurant was a lot friendlier than at most fast food chains back home. The
week went by with me learning a lot about Irish schooling and adult living, and
I am getting on pretty well.
We color coordinate at the club
Selfie at the pub?
Freaking good American food.
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