November 26, 2023
Sofia Bell continues here blog series and is adapting to campus and volleyball life in Ireland. The former Tenafly Tiger is sharing her experience with the NJ volleyball community to set the tone on following your dreams and making them happen. The link to her first installment is here if you didn’t catch it… LINK
Enjoy Chapter 2…
Going to school in Europe, or abroad in general is a very different process compared to the United States. Early on, I certainly felt a bit upset that my experience was so different from all of my friends and peers. For example, when mid-August came around and all my friends were going off to school, I was stuck at home for another 3 weeks until I went to Ireland. I have ambiguous feelings from this time, as I was very happy to be able to spend quality time with my family before leaving for 4 months, but I also felt like I was missing out in a way, as I saw all my peers started new chapters of their lives and I had yet to begin mine.
However, before I knew it, I was leaving for Ireland in just a couple of days. I was very stressed during this time, not knowing what to bring or leave, and what I could get there. Most people get to visit home about two times before Winter break and they also have parents weekend and other holidays, but I had none of these and I had to pack for whatever I may need until December. After very tough choices of what to take and what to leave, I had all my bags packed and was ready to leave the next day. On September 7th, my family took me to the airport, where I would have to say goodbye until Winter break. It was very hard leaving my family, especially my younger brothers, knowing I would be missing out on a lot of the important moments in their young lives, but I couldn’t help being excited.
My mom was flying out with me to Dublin for a couple of days to help me move in and spend some more time with me. While we were waiting to board the plane, I kept telling my mom I was nervous and she told me to not be scared, but I explained that it was just because I couldn’t wait to see all that was out there for me and I was so excited to start this new chapter of my life. Finally, we boarded the plane and set off on our overnight flight to Ireland! The following morning, we got all of my suitcases and headed towards my accommodation building. I was always very grateful for my mom being there to help me in the chaotic first days since many students did the move entirely themselves, but now more than ever I realize that I truly needed her support.
Although I brought around 5 suitcases, I still had a lot that I needed to get here in Dublin. Since Trinity does not offer a meal plan, we headed to many different stores around the city and bought all sorts of cookware, utensils, bedsheets, decorations, cleaning supplies, and shoe racks. The first couple of days were chaotic as I had to manage setting up my room and kitchen, opening an Irish bank account, getting an Irish phone number and plan, meeting new friends, touring the school, and much more.
Once settled in, I still had about two weeks before classes began for first years. So, my new friends and I went on a lot of small trips to explore our new home for the next 4 years! Ireland is known for its beautiful coastal cliff walks, and we can get there in just 20 minutes by train. Visiting the cliffs for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget as I was obsessed with the city feel of my school, but I still had easy access to greenery and the coast.
After what was feeling like a dream come true, reality kicked in as classes began in the following weeks. I was a bit nervous before my first lectures, as a couple of my lectures had 450 students in them, and I had never been in a class larger than 40. As much as I wanted to get straight to class and figure out where I was supposed to be, my mom insisted I take a first-day of university picture, which was a bit embarrassing but I now have that memory forever. I ended up having a great week and liked all of my classes and professors! I must say though, the class schedule differences between schools in Europe and the US are very different, I have classes every day of the week, and some days I am on campus from 9 am to 7 pm, volleyball practice included.
Speaking of volleyball, our season has been going great so far! We have only lost one game which we lost by just a couple of points in the fifth set to the number one team in the premier league. I am having such an amazing time with my teammates and coach, I couldn’t have asked for better people to be playing the sport I love most! I was a bit worried about how I would manage practice and game times with my busy academic schedule, but I have a very good structure of my week by now, and I love being able to play volleyball, it helps me relax and allows me to just do what I love and have fun by giving me a break from all my academics and social events. As for positions, I still play outside, and a bit of right side, but I am also being trained to set, as our current setter will be graduating next year. I was never upset about this because I always loved the setting and begged my coaches to let me set during practice, but now being able to practice it seriously is very exciting, as I can now play all positions!
One thing I must say I love about going to university in Europe is being able to travel to most European countries very cheaply and frequently. This being said, when we were given a week off in October to study for our midterm exams, I flew to Spain to visit my extended family. They were all so happy to see me, and I felt very grateful to be able to spend time with my family, especially my grandparents who only get to see me during the summer and occasionally on Christmas.
The following week, my dad flew out to Dublin for a long weekend trip and was able to come to watch one of my volleyball games, which we won! I was beyond thrilled to have my dad spend some time with me as he, along with my mom, was the biggest supporter of me going to school abroad and playing volleyball in college. I was able to take my dad out to some authentic Irish pubs where we had amazing food and a great time together. He also brought me some of my favorite snacks from home, which I loved for the weeks after while I was studying for midterms.
It made me so happy to see my dad love the city I was living and studying in, and he promised to come again soon with the rest of my family as well! When he did leave back home though, I missed my family more than before, as I had just gotten a little taste of being with my family, and I had to wait a little over a month before I could go back home.
Now, I approach my last week of classes and begin intense studying for my finals. Although classes end, I will continue to practice and play volleyball games, which will be a nice relief from studying. In just 3 weeks, I will be flying back home to New Jersey, where I get to spend over a month with my family and friends for the holidays! It feels crazy to say that, as it feels like I just started classes a month ago!
