Before this trip, I viewed communication primarily through the lens of my major. As a Strategic and Corporate Communication student, I often think about communication in terms of campaigns, branding, public relations, and organizational messaging. While those areas are still what I hope to pursue professionally, this experience completely expanded my understanding of what communication can accomplish. I came to realize that communication is much more than a professional skill—it can be a tool for reconciliation, trust-building, and lasting peace.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that peace is not something that simply exists because an agreement has been signed. At Corrymeela, the “Red, Blue, Green” activity challenged my assumptions about competition and cooperation, showing me how easily trust can be broken when communication is limited. Listening to traditional Irish music demonstrated that culture itself is a form of communication, preserving history and identity while bringing people together. Visiting Stormont reinforced that dialogue and compromise are ongoing responsibilities rather than one-time achievements. These experiences helped me understand that communication takes many forms and can shape relationships at the individual, community, and governmental levels.
Looking back at the trip as a whole, my favorite moments were often the ones outside of formal lectures. Climbing Giant’s Causeway with my classmates, hearing traditional music in local pubs, and having conversations throughout the trip helped me appreciate Northern Ireland not only as a place with a complex history but also as a vibrant culture. Those shared experiences strengthened our own class community while helping me better understand the concepts we had discussed in class.
One of my biggest challenges was realizing how much more complicated the Troubles were than I had expected. Before the course, I tended to think about conflicts in terms of clear endings and resolutions. Throughout the trip, I learned that reconciliation is much more complex. The effects of conflict continue long after violence ends, and maintaining peace requires constant communication, trust, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. That realization surprised me because it challenged assumptions I did not even realize I had.
This experience also influenced the way I think about my future career. I still hope to work in public relations and strategic communication, particularly within the entertainment industry, but I now recognize that the skills I am developing extend far beyond marketing and media. Whether helping an organization navigate a crisis, building relationships with different audiences, or encouraging dialogue across differing perspectives, communication has the power to influence people in meaningful ways. Northern Ireland reminded me that the most effective communicators are not simply persuasive speakers—they are also thoughtful listeners. That is a lesson I will carry with me throughout my academic career and into my professional life.
