During the summer of 2016, I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Northern Ireland through the "Arts for Health, Peace, and Community" program where we learned about the history of Northern Ireland, worked and helped community members, and got to see first - hand how the arts can be used to help people heal and find peace.

 

From 1968 – 1998 Northern Ireland experienced the “Trouble Wars” which was a time in which the nationalist population experienced conflict with the Provisional Irish Republic Army (IRA) regarding whether to create an independent Ireland country. During this time, both sides argued about whether Northern Ireland should remain in the UK. This civil conflict led to brother fighting brother and friends fighting friends over differences in perspective. Now, almost fifty years later since the commencement of the conflict, reconciliation, and peace is still being sought over the many troubling years this conflict brought.  

 

 

This trip impacted me in so many ways and for so many different reasons. It has been a long time dream of mine to visit Ireland so being able to go while also learning about the role the arts played in helping a country heal from the many tribulations and war they faced was amazing. I was also able to work with people with disabilities, children, people recovering from brain injuries, and the geriatric population while using the arts in their health care and recovery process. Some of my job responsibilities included:

 

• Collaborating with groups of people with disabilities in art activities that engaged them and aided in their overall health and wellbeing

• Engaging and participating in challenging cultural experiences that taught me about the history and culture of Northern Ireland and increased my cultural competency

• Participating in enriching cultural activities that helped teach me about different cultures and the lifestyle of various people

• Learning about arts in healthcare, a basic history of health and peace disparities, an exploration of creative practices and community engagement in Northern Ireland