On the day I left to study abroad for a semester in Cork, Ireland, my uncle said to me, “Do things there that you can’t do here.”

With his words still ringing in my ears, I signed up for Irish dance classes. I stumbled my way through dance routines and tapped along clumsily to rhythms that my classmates already knew so perfectly. My teacher worked with me patiently. My friends did not let me falter. Together, this team of newly formed, kindred spirits pulled me through Irish dancing. And it was a triumphant thrill.

My friends and I “performed” our Irish dancing a few times at various pubs. We summoned the courage and pulled each other along to stomp and turn and shuffle. We found validation in our boisterous, Irish audience. It was a mutual appreciation of Ireland, music, and tradition that led into conversation with the locals about the wonder of life. I learned quickly that interacting with the people of a culture is the sincerest way to grow your love and knowledge of that culture.

Dancing in a pub was not like strolling through a gallery of priceless paintings. It wasn’t a steaming hot shepherd’s pie with a pint of Guinness to guzzle down (although these experiences were worth having!). It was so much more than that. It was real and timeless and heartfelt. It was Ireland embracing me and whispering, “Thank you for trying.” And it was me saying right back, “Thank you for letting me.”

Elaine Bailey is currently a full-time student majoring in writing, rhetoric and communication. When she’s not working on papers, she is spending time with her family and friends or pursuing her passion for travel. She lives life joyfully and wishes to radiate that joy, zest, and excitement for life to everyone she meets.