Ireland: Lydia Smith
Program: UW Inclusive Physical Activity & Sports in Ireland, Summer
Lydia’s Major: Kinesiology
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
Throughout this program I have had many memorable experiences getting to hear from health professionals, coaches, and even had the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activities with adults and children with disabilities. While all of my experiences were important one of my favorites was when we visited the Irish Wheelchair Association. While there we had the opportunity to get into wheelchairs, learn how to use them, and play a few modified games. This was a memorable experience for me because it was fun, and more importantly I got to see what physical activity and sports is like from the viewpoint of someone with a disability. This experience was unique in that I got to participate in physical activity similar to how someone with a disability would rather than just alongside them.
I am glad I didn’t let my nerves about doing something for the first time stop me because I had an amazing time and I learned so much while I was there.
What is the moment you are most proud of?
The moment/day I am most proud of is the day we were invited to join the Feile Le Cheile. This was an event for children with disabilities to participate in various games throughout the day with an opportunity to win prizes at the end. These games and activities were modified so that all children would be able to participate. Me and two other students in my program stayed with one group for the whole day. This way we were able to get to know the kids we were working with. At the end of the day a boy we had played the games with wanted to talk and get pictures after the event finished. He was also sad to see us go and it made me feel proud that I was able to create a bond with him and have a positive impact on his experience after only a few hours.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad?
One challenge I faced going into this program was anxiety. I had never traveled outside the US before and I have never flown or been on a plane by myself. Leading up to the program I did not know what to expect from traveling and being in a new country. All of the unknowns made me nervous going into it. However at the airport I met a few other students in the program and I had some support while traveling. And once we got to Ireland everyone was very friendly and the people were eager to explain their customs and hear about mine as well. I still experienced some anxiety throughout my time there but I was able to overcome it. I am glad I didn’t let my nerves about doing something for the first time stop me because I had an amazing time and I learned so much while I was there.
How will your experience benefit you in the future?
While in Ireland we got to hear from a few health-related professionals about the healthcare system in Ireland as well as about how the healthcare system works with disabilities. This information was very interesting and I noticed many things that I can use in my future as a healthcare professional. For example, if a patient of mine has a disability, I learned to treat the person, not the disability, and how important it is to really get to know the person you are caring for to get them the best treatment possible.