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Taylor Hamilton
Taylor Hamilton is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Galway.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
While we were in Northern Ireland we visited a museum in Derry that explained the horrors of Bloody Sunday. It really hit me how recent the struggles for peace have been and how deep the injuries still run in that country. It brought a new level of understanding that lasted the rest of the trip and still remains today.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I had wanted to go to Ireland for as long as I could remember. I have ancestral roots there. I felt that if I studied in that country, I'd get more out of the experience than just one visit. Also, I wanted to push the limits of my comfort zone and force myself to experience a culture different than the one I grew up in.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would describe it as the chance of a lifetime. Something that will find the characteristics of who you really are and work to bring that out and form you into a stronger person. The experience was exciting, freeing, and extremely fun.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I feel much more independent now that I'm home. Planning weeks of traveling on my own has caused me to become much more responsible both with time and money. Also, I feel as if I appreciate simple things like having heating or a car.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
If you really want to go but are nervous about leaving school for so long, do it anyways. I have friends that decided to stay here after debating whether or not to leave and they've told me more than once that they regret that decision. There will always be another semester at St. Ben's or St. John's, but there's only this one semester abroad so don't shy away from throwing all of your energy into getting the best out of your Study Abroad trip.