Neal Malone, PR & Social Media Management Supervisor

“Guinness tastes so much different in Ireland—it’s way better than what we get in the U.S.” 

To everyone who said that to me ahead of my first visit to the Emerald Isle…can I be honest? As hard as I tried, I couldn’t really tell the difference—and I say that with the utmost respect. To me, it tasted as fantastic as it always does. 

But after several weeks—and plenty of thirst-quenching field research—a lightbulb went off. I realized exactly why people are so partial to an Irish pour of Guinness. It’s because of the place. The people. The positivity that you’re surrounded with. That’s why Guinness “tastes” better in Ireland.

So as I look back on my month abroad, I’ll say this…Ireland is a truly remarkable place that is home to the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered. Here’s what else I’ll remember from my experience:

True Cultural Immersion

When you live somewhere for a whole month, you’re gifted with a cultural experience that goes way beyond that of a typical vacation. Our Irish immersion of course included the greatest hits—parks, museums, landmarks, and pubs—but it was the everyday stuff that I appreciated the most. The coffee shop conversations with locals, the casual neighborhood strolls, the education on Gaelic football and hurling, and the opportunity to work out of our Dublin office. 

Rain or shine, I couldn’t get enough of my walks to and from the office. It was my moment to take it all in—from beautiful architecture all the way down to little cultural observations like “I still can’t tell which side of the sidewalk people want me to walk on.” 

At the office, I learned a lot from our ever-so-welcoming counterparts in Dublin. There’s a feeling of warmth and balance when you walk into the office—everybody is sharp, creative, and highly dedicated, yet at the same time (seemingly) unafflicted by the common stressors of the American work environment. I mean, on most days, the majority of the office gathers around the kitchen table to catch up and eat lunch together—when’s the last time you’ve seen that in the U.S?

The Many Sides of Ireland

European adventures always come with the temptation to pack a bag and jet off to a different country every weekend. I get it—it’s easy to get swept up by Ireland’s close proximity to places like England, France, and Spain. But this time around, we kept things simple. After kicking things off with a family beach vacation in Portugal’s Algarve region, we really focused our attention on Ireland—and I’m glad we did. 

As city people turned suburban dwellers, we enjoyed living in the thick of things again. Dublin is a bustling, walkable city with amazing parks, accessible public transit, big sporting events/concerts, and an excellent restaurant scene that is packed with flavors from around the globe. 

We rented a car on a few different occasions, creating opportunities to venture outside of Dublin to places like the Wicklow Mountains, Malahide Castle, Bray, Howth, and Maynooth. There are so many cool things to do within a 30-45 minute drive—from beaches and hiking trails to historical landmarks and family-friendly farms. 

The real highlight of our stay, though, was our trip to Dingle. Located in Kerry on Ireland’s west coast, Dingle is a solid 4-5 hour drive from Dublin. Getting out there takes you through the lush countryside that you picture when you think of Ireland—green field after green field, filled with cows and sheep. As for Dingle, it’s a little seaside town that delivers on every imaginable level. Slea Head Drive takes you along the cliffs of the Dingle Peninsula and offers the most amazing ocean views. The harbor is home to several companies that offer boat tours—we were even blessed with a sunny day for ours! In town, there’s a staggeringly high concentration of fun pubs (all of which offer excellent live music on most nights) and some really amazing seafood spots. 

If Not Now, When?

Like with any big decision or opportunity, the longer you think about it, the more likely you are to talk yourself out of it. We could have found plenty of reasons to push this type of a trip further down the road, but we didn’t. We recognized the uniqueness of the opportunity and dove in head first. I couldn’t be happier with our decision and I know that this experience will be something I’ll look back on—personally and professionally—for a long, long time.

David Onessimo, Creative Director

The Result of Living Far Away? Getting Closer.

Why do we travel? Surely, not to snap instagram photos. We travel to grow as humans. Exposing ourselves to new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and routines jumpstarts our hearts and minds. Travel isn’t an experience that exists solely within departure and return. It leaves lasting impressions. Endless conversations, memories, and sometimes has a direct impact on our daily lives. The best travels define us in more unexpected ways forever. Living in Dublin as part of the CP Abroad program was one of those times. 

My wife and I have traveled any chance we’ve had since the day we met, and we’ve carried this passion through to our family. So, when the opportunity came to relocate for one month to Ireland, we knew exactly what to expect. We’ve taken loads of trips together, both domestically and internationally. Our kids (now 7 and 8) love to travel. They will see new places, eat new food, and try a new routine. Then, we’ll cherry pick bits and pieces of those experiences to bring home, and so will they. Treating travel like a mental souvenir shop. 

As a creative director, I love to collaborate with my peers, getting to know them as people. Nothing beats sitting in a room together and coming up with ideas to solve business challenges for our clients. I have been lucky enough to work with both our Boston and Dublin creative teams, but virtual meetings only go so far. To dream and laugh in the same room, to feel the energy firsthand with the team in person in Dublin, has changed our working relationship. 

Over the course of 4 weeks abroad, we racked up memories. We played cards in pubs for hours, pet cows in Ireland, ate chocolate in Belgium, and attended concerts in London. Photographing and journaling the whole journey like some evening news reporter for my future self. 

But after 3 weeks of being 3,000 miles away from our home, friends, and family, something unexpected happened. Something that had nothing to do with beautiful architecture and European lifestyle. We became closer to each other. My wife and I became better parents. My son became a kinder brother. My daughter became a more patient sister.

Beyond touring a 1,000 year old castle, eating fresh fish and chips off the boat, playing rugby with kids in the park, what we brought home from our CP Abroad was not a memory at all. We experienced a lot together. Experiences you’ll find listed on TripAdvisor. But the unexpected growth we saw as a family was far more satisfying than sipping a Guinness at dusk overlooking the Gap of Dunloe with an Irish fiddle in the background. That was, however, a close second.

Megan Dooge McConnell, Junior Account Manager

A Big Bag of Peanut Butter M&Ms 

The CP Dublin office is no stranger to having a cheerful American colleague temporarily joining our office on a monthly basis. Since I joined CP over a year and a half ago, it’s been a regular occurrence. We love the energy that our colleagues bring with them, and the kilo bag of Peanut Butter M&Ms that get plonked on the kitchen table helps too. Not only do we learn from them and connect over similarities and differences in AdLand, but it’s especially good when we say a common Irish phrase and watch as their face upturns in delight as they blurt out “what did you just say?!” I knew since joining CP and witnessing the program work on the Dublin side, that this was something I just HAD to apply for.

Wow, These People on My Screen Are Real?!

I had visited Boston once, straight out of college at 22, and had always wanted to return. The opportunity to bring my partner along, made it even better. We found being in a different country for longer than a standard holiday rejuvenates a person. Everything is new and exciting, which is exactly how I felt walking into the CP Boston office for the first time, greeted by faces I’d met in Dublin, faces I’d met only on calls, and new faces entirely. Having global colleagues was something I had always thought was a buzz phrase until I joined the CP Brand Team. Working from Dublin, we have had the opportunity to actually connect with the Boston team and sometimes work across campaigns together, so to meet them in person and join in on internal meetings, catch up on what campaigns they were working on was great. Although on different continents, we all have the same experiences day to day, the same stories from campaigns and the same passion across the board. It’s now very nice to know the face behind the Slack icon of an early 2000’s cult coming of age movie character.  

Cape Cod Is for Lovers, New York Is for Margaritas

Now, it’s not all office fun and games, there was some serious holidaying to be done also. I went to 2 (two!) Boston Red Sox games during my month (Go Sox!), watched the Celtic’s (from a bar) win the Championship (Go C’s!) and wandered around every inch of the city. To my delight, when I would mention to someone that we were spending the weekend on Cape Cod, they would immediately throw up their arm, as if they were flexing a bicep (💪) and point to it while saying “Where are you staying?” Recommendations from colleagues rolled in for “theeee best *insert food group here* in New York!” all of which we tried to accomplish in the space of 3 days and rolled back to Boston, with the NYC glow, buzzing from the energy the city leaves you with.  

‘Cause I’ve Got Friends in Warm Places

The CP Abroad program offered me the opportunity to not only connect with colleagues, but to reconnect with Irish friends who have left the green Isle for the sunnier pasture of Boston. Starting my work day at 7am, allowed me to work closer with my Irish team, and to spend late afternoons to evenings not only exploring the city and eating bowls of pasta the size of my head, but also spending time with childhood and college friends who have set up shop in Boston, and are living life to the fullest state-side. The month I spent in Boston was something I will always cherish. As the kids say – core memory unlocked!  

Courtney Marlow, Senior Public Relations, Social Media & Influencer Marketing Manager 

Embracing Unfamiliarity: 8 Countries in 8 Weeks

When Connelly Partners launched its abroad program back in 2022, I about fell out of my seat. You’re telling me I can go live and work in another country while having ample time to travel to places I’ve dreamed of exploring?! Sign. Me. Up.  

I was lucky enough to go for two months and was eager to take full advantage of my time abroad. I told myself to get comfortable being uncomfortable and see as much of the world as I could squeeze in—even if that meant jetting off to many places solo. Ultimately, I set a goal to visit 8 countries in 8 weeks and I’m happy to report, mission accomplished! (Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Scotland, The Netherlands, France, and Italy)

By no surprise, I loved every minute of it—I could easily talk your ear off about every place I visited, the food I ate, and the experiences I endured—but in addition to the passport stamps, photos, and souvenirs I took back with me to Boston, one of the most meaningful takeaways came from my experience working and living in another country, not traveling elsewhere. 

Shake up Your Routine and Slow Down…

I’m a creature of habit and I love my routine—catch me meal prepping on Sundays, going to the same workout classes on repeat, and circling back to my go-to Boston restaurants with friends. But when I left for CP Abroad, I waved goodbye to routine and instead, embraced unfamiliarity. I skipped meal prepping all together and strived to try as many new restaurants as possible. I walked 45 minutes through the city to and from work—making spontaneous stops along the way and admiring the sights. At the office, I sat at a new desk nearly every day—chatting with different Irish colleagues who were just as entertaining as they were kind. And when it came time for lunch, I followed their lead—ditching my computer and gathering around the table to listen curiously (both to their stories and strong accents). I learned that sometimes, you just need to slow down, switch up your environment, and be intentional about getting to know new people. You never know what you may learn!

Just Go with It…

When it came to my travels, I brought the same adventurous spirit to each trip—eager to be a sponge in a new setting and just see where the wind would blow me. I’m a planner at heart, but I intentionally approached each venture with more spontaneity than the last. I always had a loose plan in place—my hotel booked and some things saved on TikTok for inspiration (as a social media manager, I can’t help myself)—but I really did just go with it. I wandered mindlessly and got lost, unexpectedly discovered the cutest markets and shops, stopped for a cappuccino or glass of wine if I felt like it, etc. I moved to the beat of my own drum and with that, learned a lot about myself and what I’m truly capable of. As cheesy as it may sound, life is truly what you make it! 

Just as importantly, I ate a lot of great food—on each trip, I was on a mission to “eat like a local” because I believe that’s one of the most fun ways to get a sense for different cultures. Even if something scared me a bit, (i.e. snails in France) I gave it a go!

So thank you, Connelly Partners, for giving me the opportunity to embrace unfamiliarity like never before. To say I am grateful would be an understatement. Sláinte!

Jared Smith, Media Planner

As a 2023 college graduate, you could imagine that COVID had a huge impact on my college experience. Going into college, I knew I wanted to study abroad. I’ve always loved traveling and have had an ongoing curiosity to experience new cultures, so why wouldn’t I take advantage of a full semester halfway across the world!? Well, after a global pandemic halted world travel, cut my freshman year short, and made my sophomore year start late, my outlook on study abroad changed. I had already lost out on two semesters of college with my new-found friends and I didn’t exactly want to leave them for another semester to study abroad. 

The launch of the CP Abroad Program gave me another opportunity to experience something that I otherwise would have missed out on. 

When I first arrived in Dublin, I felt excited for the opportunity ahead, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t at all a bit nervous. 

I shook off those nerves pretty quickly, as I started off my trip by immediately traveling across the country to catch a rugby game in Limerick. After three separate trains, a bus, and a few miles of walking, I had finally made it. It’s wild to say, but this helped me settle in and feel much more comfortable with the journey ahead.

This trip, along with weekend trips to Rome and Paris, were highlights of my time abroad. However, no trip would beat a short journey I took just south of Dublin to the city of Bray. 

One thing that really makes me who I am in the workspace and in life is my curiosity. I love to learn and explore new things, and this trip to Bray was exactly that. I had no plan whatsoever, I was simply going to hop on a train and get off wherever looked interesting. I decided on Bray as I could see a beautiful ocean view and hiking path. After a short, but very steep climb on the path, I was met with one of the most breathtaking views of my life. I had the ocean on one side of me and the countryside on the other. I stayed up there for a while, feeling absolute bliss and taking in the beauty that this world has to offer if you’re curious enough to go find it. 

It’s experiences like this that continually pique my curiosity and help me grow to be the best version of myself that I can be. I am forever grateful for this experience, and I greatly appreciate CP for providing an opportunity for employees to explore themselves and the world.

Erin Mullaney, Media Director

Connecting Work, Family, and Creativity

As I reflect on my recent month-long escapade in Dublin, Ireland, there’s one experience that shines brighter than the rest – my unexpected family reunion. How cool that this once in a lifetime experience happened because of a “work perk.” But those at CP know it’s so much more than that.

My Dublin journey was a blend of work and personal exploration, from riverside strolls to bonding with Irish colleagues over pints of Guinness. Amidst the bustling activity, a planned visit from my mom led to an impromptu gathering with long-lost cousins. Little did I know, this meeting would lead to a heartwarming reunion and a newfound appreciation for the ties that bind us.

As we sat down over a homemade Irish dinner, exchanging stories, laughter and tracing back our family tree, I couldn’t help but marvel at the serendipity of it all. Here I was, thousands of miles from home, connecting with family members I hadn’t even known existed. And yet, despite the geographical distance and differing cultures, we shared a bond that transcended both.

This reunion echoed themes prevalent in my work life – themes of connection, perspective, and the power of storytelling. In meeting my family, I was reminded how genuine human connections captivate and inspire. As we swapped tales of our shared heritage and family lore, I couldn’t help but see parallels between our conversations and the work I do every day.

Moreover, this experience reinforced the value of stepping outside of our day-to-day routines to stay inspired and relevant in the fast-paced world of advertising. Connelly Partners doesn’t just invest in integration with other offices and perks to maintain our stellar employee retention and culture; it also recognizes the importance of keeping us inspired as a creative advertising agency.

So, as I bid farewell to Dublin and returned to the hustle and bustle of daily life, I carried with me the lessons learned from my unexpected family reunion. In a world where work often consumes our time and attention, it’s important to pause, reflect, and cherish the moments of connection that remind us of what truly matters – both in our personal lives and in our professional endeavors. And thanks to Connelly Partners, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do just that.

Jamie Shin, Senior Analyst

Connelly Partners’ CP Abroad program was launched shortly after I was hired. While Dublin wasn’t exactly a city I had on my radar, I thought, “Cool, study abroad for adults.” And because my husband didn’t get a chance to study abroad in college, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to travel Europe together for an extended period of time. 

So, just a month into my new job, I applied, not knowing what the next year would have in store (it’s a requirement to have been with the agency for at least a year to participate). Before I knew it, a year and a half passed, and after many, many months of agonizing over our travel plans, we landed in Dublin.

As someone who tends to be a meticulous planner (I’m a ‘J‘), I had planned nearly every detail of our travel itinerary by the hour. Dublin, however, was one of the exceptions. Truthfully, I wanted time to rest between my weekend excursions, but there was also the advantage of experiencing Dublin “like a local.” So, I skipped the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar and instead, opted for what I’d typically do during my free time in Boston—I grabbed my camera and walked. 

Film photography is a new hobby I picked up because I was looking for a creative outlet. Camera in hand, and against my ‘J’ nature, I would often walk around the city aimlessly. In this process, I have learned to appreciate uncertainty and approach the world with a sense of heightened curiosity and creativity. 

During my time in Dublin, I tried to embrace this approach. Through my walks and encounters, I discovered Ireland’s resilient history, the city of Dublin’s rapid growth and its strengths and challenges, as well as its surprising similarities to Boston. But it was the people, with their passion, humor, and penchant for banter and quality nights at the pub, that I have come to appreciate the most.

Coming away from CP Abroad, I feel incredibly grateful for this experience. It became much more than an excuse to travel. It was an opportunity for me to discover my strengths, meet new people, work on my weaknesses, and appreciate unplanned discoveries. What’s more, I’ve also learned that perhaps organization and creativity are the twin engines of my success, whether in life or at work.

Lucky for me, data and analytics within a creative agency offers the perfect arena to exercise both, as campaign reporting is about much more than just reciting numbers. I believe we are at our best when we employ creative approaches to uncovering insights, are innovative in our problem-solving, and approach storytelling through data as an art. 

While I will probably never be able to fully relinquish my need for control (bless my husband), I am excited to enter the new year with refreshed creative energy, a greater appreciation for the Boston office, and new perspectives to inspire the work ahead.

Special thanks to my boss and the CP leadership team for making this possible, and truly everyone in the Dublin office for a grand time. It was class.

The Fall semester has come to a close and it’s time to say goodbye to another class of incredible interns. Before they finished up, we asked them to look back at their accomplishments, learnings, and memorable moments from their time at CP. From forging new connections and collaborating with colleagues to learning about the industry and gaining new skills, here are the reflections of CP’s Fall 2023 interns.

Iseabail Kelley, Data & Analytics Intern
Syracuse University

My biggest weakness has always been my shyness. My confidence in the classroom never seemed to translate to a work setting – until I started at CP. During the second week of my internship, I remember texting my mom, “I feel so comfortable here.” I set up one-on-one meetings with various CPers to learn about their experiences and roles at the agency. In previous internships, the mere thought of setting up a one-on-one with anyone was incredibly daunting, but this was something that I took full advantage of at CP. Post-grad is a strange period of limbo, but the kindness of everyone at CP, and being immersed in the day-to-day environment, have pushed me to learn and grow as a pupil, a professional and a person. 

For incoming interns, I’d share this advice: embrace this as a learning experience! I always strive for perfection, which is unrealistic. Being hard on yourself is not productive, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. Learning from mistakes is sometimes more valuable than doing something correctly on the first try, so give yourself grace and try not to overthink things.

Andrew Le, Brand Leadership Intern
Syracuse University

This semester, the greatest hurdle I faced was stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that I had at CP to challenge myself. Recognizing and actively seeking chances to step forward and push boundaries has become crucial for me. Additionally, everyone I met during my internship was supportive and eager to learn more about me.

During this internship, I had the privilege of collaborating with various departments, which allowed me to learn from other teams while still being an integral part of my own. But if there is one specific thing that has sparked my curiosity, I would say it’s the new business process. I got to be a part of a pitch in a very small way and was able to witness how every single person involved was so invested in it. It was such a motivating feeling.

Arianne Duenas, Creative Intern
Boston University

At CP, I gained new skills in idea generation and content writing, largely thanks to the feedback provided by other copywriters. These fresh perspectives challenged me to think both creatively and adaptively. One-on-one sessions with various departments were also invaluable because they provided me with a comprehensive view of the agency’s operations. Outside of the creative department, I found myself particularly interested in PR, social media, and influencer marketing.

If I could go back to the start of my internship I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions. After all, CP’s DNA is to always be curious and get to the bottom of the “why” of things. 

Maya Menon Freeman, Strategy Intern
Emerson College

One of the most memorable achievements from this past semester occurred when I gathered some research for upcoming brand work. I presented my findings to my boss and then the brand team. They were all incredibly supportive and complimentary and helped me hone my presentation skills. I was trusted to present my findings to the client and I ran them through my now well-rehearsed spiel. It wasn’t until we left the meeting that I found out I had just presented to the CMO of one of our clients. It was such a proud moment! 

I think that it’s so important to be present! There’s so much to juggle between school and internships, but these are crucial learning experiences. I always reminded myself that this was my chance to make the most of my time here. It’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of “what’s next,” which is why it’s important to remember to soak it in and connect with the people around you.  That’s what is invaluable.

Nick Maumus, Media Intern
Bentley University 

Throughout my experience as an intern, every place I looked or anyone I turned to was readily available to answer questions, help re-explain a process, or provide advice. You just need the willingness to ask the questions! Like many things in this internship, you get what you put in, and I made it a goal of mine to ask as many questions as possible and never stop learning. To that end, I have expanded my understanding of media planning and buying, other agencies, and the industry in general. The CP culture is unique, rewarding, and invaluable, similarly, the people are non-stop learners and teachers.

I have grown tremendously in my time at CP. The most apparent growth has been in my ability to learn new skills and understand the interconnectedness of how the advertising industry operates. I was able to learn with a more hands-on approach and have honed my problem-solving skills. I’ve mastered the ability to seek answers out proactively as opposed to waiting for an answer to an email. I will carry these skills with me for the rest of my life, and cannot wait to continue growing as I face new projects and learn new processes. 

Anjali Duenwald, Finance/Accounting Intern
Northeastern University

My favorite part of working at CP is how kind and open everyone is. Even though I didn’t work directly with everyone across the company, there were always smiling faces to welcome me to the office each day and people willing to share their experiences. Branching out and chatting with individual people gave me a strong understanding of the agency and how CP works with their clients.

Before this internship, I had only taken two accounting classes and had never worked in an accounting position. As such, I was nervous and wasn’t sure if my knowledge was on par with what I would be doing in the role. Jumping right in and working with my team to get started on tasks that showed me various aspects of the finance department allowed me to start learning immediately.

Mariia Vasylenko, Brand Strategist

The 2023 Spotify Wrapped dropped on Wednesday and listeners everywhere rushed to the app to see their stats for the year. And we were no exception. At Connelly Partners, we racked up a total of 235,444 minutes of music, which is like jamming out nonstop for 163 days. We decided to take a closer look at these stats to see if we could uncover insights into CP’s musical identity. Here’s what we found: 

We’re Storytellers at Heart

With Taylor Swift and John Mayer among our top artists, it’s clear that we value a compelling narrative. This is reflected in our strategies—each campaign is crafted like a concept album, with a beginning, a climax, and a resolution that keeps the audience hooked.  

We’re Always Ready to Rock

The inclusion of rock legends like Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles embodies our “work hard, play hard” mentality. Our office is a place where strategic plans are as rock-solid as the bass line in “The Chain” and where “Come Together” is the morning meeting mantra.  

We’re Swifties

Taylor Swift’s influence is a testament to an office culture that fearlessly embraces emotions, whether it’s the excitement of nailing a pitch or the bittersweet farewell to a completed project. It’s an environment where emotional intelligence is as valued as analytical prowess. 

We think our Spotify Wrapped was pretty spot on this year and represents who we are as an agency. We’re looking forward to what 2024 will bring. Until then, rock on.

Brandy Shabowich, Marketing Manager

I vividly remember the day when Connelly Partners unveiled the CP Abroad Program. It seemed unreal that I could have the opportunity to live and work abroad for an extended period of time with colleagues from another CP office. Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it was also a little anxiety-inducing, especially as someone who had never lived, traveled, or even been on a plane alone before. 

I knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and with this in mind, I submitted my application. I told myself that no matter how “scary” it might seem, personal growth only comes when you step out of your comfort zone and push those intrusive thoughts away. So, on September 29, I stood in Logan Airport by myself, passport in hand, and boarded the bright green plane to Dublin. Seven hours later I had my first European stamp in my passport. One thing that stood out to me on my trip so far was the kindness and friendliness shown to me by everyone I encountered. It didn’t take long for Dublin to feel like home. 

I was completely on my own which was the most freeing experience I’d ever felt in my life. I had to do things for myself, speak for myself and just figure it out. I finally realized that I could do what I wanted, when I wanted, at the pace I wanted. I traveled all around Ireland, alone. I went horseback riding, on a trail that was definitely not suited for a beginner like me. I was swept away by the beauty of Ireland. I am not kidding when I say that my jaw literally dropped on numerous occasions. Most importantly though, I met and connected with new people, from around the world. And I can’t forget to mention all the animals I saw. Especially the sheep. There were lots of sheep. 

In the CP Dublin office, I was blessed to work alongside a stellar group of individuals. There was such a close-knit feeling among them and by the end of my first day, I felt like I had been working there for years. Each CP office has its own unique benefits and what I learned in Dublin is how seamlessly collaboration flows. Everyone sits together, which makes it so easy to approach one another. You don’t need to walk across the building to get to them. 

My personal favorite observation came around lunchtime. Everyone left their desks to eat lunch together. No computers, no work. Just an actual break for lunch. In America, it’s common to eat lunch at your desk while working. I am guilty of this. But, while I was away, I embraced this practice. I got to know my colleagues on a more personal level and shared in so many laughs. Regardless of department, age, or position, folks just spent time with each other. It taught me the importance of remembering to prioritize yourself and your mental health. 

From working with my fellow CPers in Dublin to embracing a new culture, and exploring on my own, I know now that I am capable of accomplishing whatever I set my mind to. If I could tell a past version of myself anything, it would be a reminder to be open to learning and connecting with others. Throughout my journey, I met so many amazing people from all different walks of life. Living and traveling solo might seem daunting at first, but you need to take that first step to see how empowering it actually is. Just use your head, be smart, and most importantly, believe in yourself.

This blog wouldn’t be complete without travel details, so here are a few: 

• My favorite memories include horseback riding in Enniskerry, seeing the Wicklow Mountains, and watching a sheepdog demonstration near Glendalough.
• Farthest solo adventure: train trip to Cork, Cobh and Blarney Castle (yes, I kissed the Blarney Stone).
• Most spontaneous trip: visiting ancient ruins and burial grounds of the Boyne Valley, and contemplating what life was like thousands of years ago.
• After my time in Ireland, my mom joined me in London and Paris. The Changing of the Guard, Churchill War rooms, and lunch in the Eiffel Tower are all highlights.