Looking back on our time in Northern Ireland, I can confidently say that this experience changed the way I think about psychology, mental health, and the communities I hope to serve in the future. While I expected to learn about the Troubles and the peace process, I did not expect to leave with such a deep understanding of how conflict and cultural turmoil shape a person’s sense of self, identity, and well-being for generations.
As a Native woman, I found myself constantly drawing connections between the stories we heard in Northern Ireland and the experiences of Indigenous communities back home in the United States. Although our histories are different in many ways, there were moments throughout this trip that felt deeply familiar and reminded me of stories I have heard before. I spent a lot of time thinking about the ways historical trauma continues to impact both Native and Irish communities, especially how loss, displacement, and cultural oppression can affect identity and healing. As someone who hopes to work with Native mothers and families, I feel as though this trip has strengthened my commitment to providing care that is culturally grounded and rooted in mutual respect.
One of the most meaningful moments of this trip came from our conversations with Avy and Glenn, which I know will stay with me for a very long time. Hearing them speak so honestly about grief and the challenges of navigating relationships within communities that are still recovering from conflict was incredibly powerful. I was especially struck by the way conflict can create emotional distance in everyday relationships, especially within our own families and friends. Listening to their experiences reminded me that trauma is extremely complicated, personal, and often carried in quiet ways. It also reminded me that one of the most meaningful things we can do for one another is simply listen and extend empathy whenever possible. As a future counselor, I felt deeply touched by that lesson and hope to carry it into my own practice.
Another highlight of this trip was the people I experienced it with. Some of my favorite memories were the conversations that happened after our days had ended. Whether we were processing a difficult story together, staying up late talking about the day, or listening to my classmates share perspectives that were entirely different from my own, I found myself constantly learning from the people around me. I am truly grateful for our group and for the close friendships I made on this trip.
Our trip to Derry was also incredibly impactful, and I loved the way their community was so honest in the way it remembered its history. I loved seeing the murals, talking with the community, and gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to live in a post-conflict society. Derry felt like a place that did not try to hide its history, but invited people to remember and move forward. It was one of the places where I felt the weight of the past most clearly, while also seeing the strength and beauty of the community progressively.
I also think often about our time along the coast, especially at Corrymeela. There was something so special about slowing down there and simply just being present. Corrymeela gave me a sense of peace and community that is hard to put into words. It was one of the places where I felt the themes of reconciliation and belonging most deeply, which I also reflected on in my final paper. Giant’s Causeway was another reminder of how beautiful and grounding this part of the world is. Many of my favorite parts of the trip came from simply taking everything in and appreciating where we were.
Another one of my favorite experiences was the Traditional Music Trail. I cannot fully explain how much I loved getting to experience the music, stories, and rich history along the coast. The trail showed me that music absolutely acts as a form of storytelling and cultural preservation. It was an experience I truly will never forget.
One of my biggest challenges during this trip was that I always wanted more time. I wanted to see more, ask more questions, and understand more of Ireland as a whole, both in relation to the conflict and in terms of everyday life and culture. At times, it was also challenging to sit with such difficult stories and realize that healing takes so much time and effort, and that not many people are willing to extend such time to heal. I left Northern Ireland wanting to know more about people’s stories and how communities continue to move forward, especially when they are still so polarized and politically charged. This just means that I will have to go back someday.
What I loved the absolute most was the gratitude for life that seemed to exist everywhere and in everyone. There was such a strong sense of appreciation and presence that felt incredibly grounding. In many ways, it felt like a deep breath of fresh air that I needed. It made me realize how often we move quickly through life in the United States without slowing down to appreciate the people and experiences right in front of us. More than anything, this trip grounded me. I leave Northern Ireland with immense gratitude for the people and experiences that made these two weeks so meaningful, and for the amazing people waiting for us at home. I know this trip and the lessons I learned will stay with me long after this course has ended.
Lots of love, Kaite Clark <3
