The summer I spent in Ireland was easily the best time of my life, thanks to the Connect-123 team. I was simply expecting them to match me up with an internship and then take a backseat, but the they remained involved in the program throughout the summer. Thanks to my program coordinators, I saw parts of Ireland and experienced the culture in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. From stunning coastal hikes to the mesmerizing Irish countryside, they knew exactly the right spots to show us the spirit of Ireland. Their knowledge of Dublin was truly indispensable in things like finding the best places to eat and mapping the fastest route to work. Regarding the internship, I gained considerable experience in my field that has been beneficial in helping me focus on a specific career path in my industry. Thanks to working in a very nurturing environment, I was never hesitant to suggest innovative ideas and try things my way, which enabled me to grow both professionally and personally.