I’ve been home for about 2 days now, and I’m so grateful for this trip! It’s still surreal that it’s over. I keep on recounting different stories to my family and looking back we did so much within those 2 weeks. 

We flew home on Friday and that was a story within its self. We took a crossover party bus to the airport. The bus had seats similar to the previous party bus, but it was more fancy without the disc ball. There were luggage filling the alle. I was worried that we were going to have to have another bus or something and how everything could fit. However, it worked. Once we got to the airport, we were in line to check our bags when the person at the desk said that if you are checking into the flight to Philadelphia, you have to wait 2 hours to check in. So, the 6 of us waited at a bench while we watched our classmates leave. It was really the end. 

The rest of the day was a piece of cake. But a pro tip is to make sure your liquids fit into a single snack bag while packing because they check at security. 

It was the best flight too, I got a whole row to my self which felt like first class \on a budget. 

Over the last 48 hours, I had time to reflect on the memories made and the trip as a whole. I was nervous going into it because a only knew a few people. I was worried about feeling alone and doing everything by myself when we had free time. However, I’m coming back with an amazing group of people I’m happy to call my friends. I’m naturally an introvert, so stepping out of my comfort zone was definitely scary. I’m so glad I overcame that fear because that’s what made the trip so memorable. I learned a lot about myself on this trip. For instance, if I sleep on a bus ride, I won’t be motion sick. I would also say that I became more confident. Being in a foreign country by myself without my parents was intimating at first. I was use to just following that they had panned. However, I learned to be more confident in my ability to get from point A to point B and more confident in general. From that too, I learned to trust myself more. For instance, one day I decided to walk to Gafton Street by myself and I successfully made it there and back. For me that is a big step because especially in a foreign country I tend to get lost or go the wrong way. 

I also learned to be more open and free especially when it comes to new things. These blog posts for example, in the beginning I use to be straight to the point and only answering the prompt that was asked. But, as the trip went on I began to have more fun with them. 

I learned a lot professionally as well. We had great speakers. My favorite presentation was the personal brand one. I think it is always important to keep that in the back of your mind about how you represent yourself especially during the recruitment process and when you have an internship. I want to think about that more in terms of my changing soft skills and which ones I am highlighting more in that given time. As we learned, everyone looks similar on paper, but it’s their soft skills that help set them apart. So, remembering which ones are my strength will help when applying to things. 

Through the site tours, I also learned more about what I want in a company. I want a company that takes care of their employees while having a work life balance like Microsoft does. 

I highly recommend Plus 3 Ireland! Even if you are debating it, do it! I promise you won’t regret it. So, I guess this is me signing off.