Before going to Northern Ireland, I expected to learn about conflict resolution in a general way. I did not realize how deeply the history of the troubles would affect me both personally and academically. Being there, walking through the divided neighborhoods, and hearing directly from people who experienced the conflict opened my eyes to how complicated peace and healing truly are.

One of the biggest academic highlights was learning about the conflict not just from a political angle, but from a human perspective. We met with individuals who were directly impacted by the violence and who are now working toward reconciliation. Visiting the peace walls and listening to former prisoners and community leaders helped me understand how public health, trauma, and history are all connected. These experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of mental health and community healing in places that have gone through long term conflict.

On a personal level, one of the most powerful moments was hearing from people who had lost loved ones but still chose to promote peace. It made me reflect on my own values and what it really means to help others. This has shifted how I see my future in the health science field. I now feel more drawn to working in areas where health care and social justice come together, especially in communities that have been impacted by violence or division.

The biggest challenge was processing everything emotionally. There were moments when the stories we heard were difficult to take in. I was surprised by how strongly I reacted, but that reaction showed me how invested I have become in this field. I learned that being uncomfortable is sometimes a necessary part of growth, and I am grateful for that.

This trip changed my perspective. It made me more aware of the real world impact of conflict and how important it is to approach health care with empathy and cultural understanding. Northern Ireland taught me lessons I will carry with me into my career and beyond.