An unforgettable experience
Alicia Clark, co-Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2011
Filed under Editorials
TRYING OUT FOR Tempe Sister Cities was one of the most tumultuous, stressful, and oddly enough, humiliating things I have ever had to go through. Between interviews, fund-raising, and the most interesting night I’ve ever spent on Mill Avenue, I managed to have the most amazing summer I think anyone has ever had.
Tempe Sister Cities gives students that live in Tempe a chance to try out for their program, which sends students to China, Ecuador, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, France, or New Zealand. Trying out for Sister Cities includes a rigorous interview process, which narrows down what were approximately 50-something applicants down to thirty-two. Through a lot of hard work, and a fierce desire to travel, I was one of the thirty-two chosen to spend my summer abroad.
Ireland, the emerald isle, land of leprechauns, and everything green. I was chosen to spend one month living with a family in Carlow, Ireland, and that was where my life changed forever.
In Ireland, I was introduced as either “the yank” or “the American,” where some people might have taken offense to such a title, I thought it was hilarious, and I was happy to bear the name of “The American staying with the Hosey family.”
The family I stayed with was the Hoseys. In the small town of Carlow, Ireland whose population is approximately 18,832. In Carlow, everyone knows each other. The Hosey’s are especially well known for managing one of the main post offices in town.
My host-sister, Maeve and I hit it off right away. Her parents marveled at how alike we were.
In Ireland there are thirty-two counties. While I was there, I visited fifteen of them, something that is quite a great success for only being there a month. My favorite county was Galway, you might recognize it as the setting of the movie P.S I Love You
Galway is the perfect example of what makes Ireland so amazing. Beautiful landscape, the old town feel and eclectic city scene.
My time in Ireland taught me how to relax, and take it easy. Ireland taught me how to properly say the word “grand” and how much milk to add to my tea.
Tempe Sister Cities could quite possibly be the best thing that has ever happened to me. Now, not only do I have life-long friends and family in Ireland, but on nearly every continent on the world as well.