Different

My mom used to say every time I’d complain about being different that the world would be boring if we were all the same. Being a kid at the time, I don’t think I truly understood that, having the urge to fit in with the other kids and all. This study abroad experience has really made me understand what she was talking about. After all, I never would have met my Professor, Shane, if the world was all the same. 

Now, I know I’ve been talking about Shane a lot (to the point that some might think I might be stalking him), but I don’t think my inside scoop of an Irish man would be complete if I didn’t talk about our similarities and differences. First I’ll start with the differences.  

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Shane is an older gentlemen and I am obviously a college kid so there is a fairly large age gap. This would probably not surprise anyone given that he’s a professor and professors are generally older than students, but I think it’s interesting to mention because that would mean our life experiences are unique just due to our different generations.  

Shane grew up in the 1970s and I grew up in the early 2000s so there were different social norms, trends, and games, among many other things. However, that’s what I found fascinating while taking a class with him, we benefited from sharing our different experiences. 

Another clear distinction between us is that is he is more of  a calm “live in the moment” kind of guy and I am more of a stressed “must plan for the future” type. And to be honest, I think that has to do partly with the cultures we grew up in. 

One thing I’ve noticed about being in Ireland is that people don’t take your grades as seriously and don’t make it seem like it’s the end of the world if you get a C in a class. While in America,  I always feel like our grades are everything and that you are considered a failure if you get a C in a class. 

This could just be true for me, but I think in America there is always a competition to be bigger and better. To be a success you must be in the top 10% of your class yet be involved in diverse activities like music or sports, and on top of that, have a great social life.  In Ireland, however, I feel like there is more of a relaxed, be content with what you have vibe. 

Shane is also an atheist while I am a Catholic. I found this ironic since he is so fascinated by religious festivals like St. Brigid’s Day and about the practice of sacred holy wells and shrines in Ireland which are all associated with religion.

 He does, however, believe that religion, particularly the Catholic Church, is important in bringing communities together and is wondering now that Ireland is moving away from the church, what will bind communities together.  

Meanwhile, I accept many feasts or festivals as a given or fact since it’s weaved into the fabric of who I am as a person. It is instinctual for me to go to church and celebrate the religious feasts and holy days so I don’t find it as fascinating. It’s as mundane as breathing to me.

Yet, it’s interesting that we were both raised Catholic. We were taught the same beliefs, received the sacraments, and listened to same readings in the Bible. Yet one of us embraces the faith while the other rejects it. 

Our other differences include Shane’s ability to speak Gaelic and his craftsmanship in  making weaved chicken nests, horseshoes, and there is that melodic Irish accent. Though I have studied Italian, I can’t speak much of it, I’m not crafty at all and the only melody I carry is with my flute and not my basic American accent.

Yet, are Shane and I really so different? We are both human beings who have feelings, ideas and opinions.  We are also both fascinated with the folklore and mythical practices of Ireland. Despite our differences, I enjoyed our interactions very much. After all, there is always the old saying: opposites attract.

A cross headstone from a famous cemetery called Glasnevin.
Fun Fact: it was the first non-domination cemetery in Ireland, so Shane and I could be buried here.