Sunshine and warmth! :)

Hello everyone!

Today’s weather: SUNSHINE AND WARMTH ALL DAY LONG! NOT A DROP OF RAIN AT ALL! I don’t think you understand just how happy this made me. I was literally glowing and beaming with happiness all day long. It also kept me in a good mood, despite the rather tedious nature of our work for this week.

Derek and I took the bus to the office for the first time today. We finally figured out what time we need to leave our apartments by to make it to work on time and not super early or late (which is good because we can both go running now! Not running for two days has definitely left me feeling a wee bit icky). Although both of us didn’t have our maps with us (bad idea…), we managed to make it to work on time and even got off at the correct stop!

Today was a continuation of the work that we did yesterday and will continue to do for the rest of the week. It’s definitely somewhat tedious, having to open all the links and estimate the amount of time a primary school teacher would spend reading each website, etc. etc. etc., but it’s definitely helping me get a feel for Educate Together’s curriculum. This understanding will eventually help Derek and me immensely when we start our individual projects next week!

I’m still amazed by how accepting and welcoming the entire Educate Together staff is. They treat both Derek and me like actual coworkers and have invited us to different events and school visits, which are incredibly opportunities. The power hierarchy in the office seems to be pretty linear; while everyone does have their individual places, everyone respects each other and sees each other on a pretty equal level. Paul, our CEO, works right next door to Derek and me and (apparently) will frequently step in, tell us to grab our bags and get ready to go, and spontaneous bring us along to meetings and events in which very well-known, highly regarded people attend. It’s also unbelievable how everyone in Dublin seems to know each other. Derek described the House of Parliament as “DC, except everyone knows each other.” It’s not an exaggeration at all. But working at Educate Together is seriously such a blessing. I’m incredibly grateful every day that Bill and Suzanne put me here because it really is such a perfect fit. I just hope that I can contribute as much as, if not more, than previous talented interns have.

After work, Derek and I made it home at a reasonable hour. (Didn’t miss the bus this time!) Kiran made salad and pasta, and we went out for gelato afterward (again. Yes, for the second day in a row. It’s that good. I got white chocolate today, but nutella is still my favorite thus far). It’s our last free night for a while, so it was nice to spend some down time with the whole group. Tomorrow, we’ll be starting on our group project. We’re working with separated minors, and they’re coming to different events, such as plays, around Dublin with us. After the event, we’ll eat together and have a discussion. The social workers at the Health Service explained that they don’t get very many opportunities to go out into Dublin and interact with older, university-level students who aren’t separated minors, so this is (according to them) a great opportunity for these minors :) Unfortunately, because there is a certain level of mystery surrounding the circumstances of these minors’ arrivals, we’re not allowed to take pictures with them or anything because there may be people looking for them (and not in a good way). Bill also told us that because of their circumstances, they don’t normally received top-notch education and aren’t able to continue to universities after secondary school. He told us to be encouraging but to also be mindful and not give them too much “false hope” about things (such as university) that may not necessarily be feasible. Bill’s explanation broke my heart, and I’m not really sure of what to expect. I’m nervous, but excited, and I hope all goes well.

Much love!

Smiles,

Anna :)