An Interview with Kathleen Jochman – Irish Studies Summer School

Kathleen Jochman attended the Irish Studies International Summer School at University of Galway. We caught up with her on the experience, what "Irishness" means and finding magic in the Irish landscape.

What drew you to your Summer School course, and why did you choose the University of Galway for this experience? 

Like many of the vast Irish diaspora in America, I had always dreamed about visiting Ireland. I was fortunate to grow up in an area of Illinois that fostered a love for the Irish arts, including several years of Irish dance classes. However, the true draw for me was the walkability of the University and Galway city itself, and the possibility to do a deep dive into studying Irish history, especially as a history major. The credits I took in the Irish History course and the Archaeological Heritage of Ireland granted me the credits I needed to finish my degree a semester early! 

How has your understanding of “Irish identity” changed after this course? 

This was one of my favourite topics covered in one of the weekly lectures offered throughout the program! There is a major cultural difference between the idea of being “Irish American” from a purely American perspective and, of course, what “Irishness” means to those in Ireland. In doing the readings, listening to the lectures and talking to locals, my perspective has since completely shifted from the narrow understanding I had previously. Due to the endless complexities of over 800 years of history, we were able to read about how that culture has survived, been preserved and evolved through those still in Ireland and the vast diaspora of Irish throughout the world.  

What surprised you most about Ireland’s cultural or historical development? 

The dedication to providing visitors with the full, uncensored background behind major culturally impactful events and time periods, especially life before and after the Great Hunger and at The Workhouse Centre in Portumna, was the most eye-opening. We often receive a sanitised version of historical teachings from within the US, especially in the last 10 years, at places of historic public memory.  

How did being physically in Ireland (field trips, city life) affect your learning? 

Getting the chance to visit sites that we were actively learning about and researching, like the Burren and the Poulnabrone dolmen, was the very best part of the experience. I have taken several experiential/experimental history courses that include learning outside of the classroom, a style of learning that I think is critical to understanding context, causality, complexity of the material being studied. Although the four weeks went by quickly, I found that the field trips and many walks I took helped me understand the overall concepts so much more than simply doing the reading.  

What was your favourite field trip or activity, and why? 

My favourite field trip was the Archaeology trip to the Burren and Poulnabrone. Trying to imagine the ancient Neolithic people who had the same feelings of hope and love that I also feel is something that has remained with me for some time. The trip to Inis Mór to visit Dún Aonghasa was a similarly moving experience.  

How would you describe Ireland to someone who has never visited? 

This is probably the hardest question, as I often find myself at a loss for words when describing Ireland. I always talk about the magic that is so obviously present in the land, the water, the plants and all the little wildflowers that grow in every rock and crevice, the animals and the people. The rich storytelling culture that has persisted for hundreds of years, the sound of trad musicians in a pub that immediately draws you inside, are those things that I cannot quite put to words. And most of all, the Irish people are just as kind and as welcoming as I had always been told when I was young.  

In what ways has this course shaped or influenced your future career plans? 

I have begun a Master of Library and Information Science program at Mizzou (University of Missouri), something I had planned on doing after falling in love with working at a public library. I have, however, decided to focus on archive studies instead of general public librarianship. The courses I took in Galway helped me realise that I wanted to continue historical studies, and I hope to do that by someday working in a historical archive. The confidence I’ve gained since the summer program has also allowed me to take a chance at applying for a new job that I once assumed was too out of reach...and somehow, I was successful! I’ll be using the skills I’ve learned in the public library, the historical inquiry and research skills I was able to hone while abroad, and the confidence of the entire Galway experience while working in a law library in downtown St. Louis.  

What advice would you give to future students considering this course?  

I would tell them not to even second-guess this opportunity and to just go for it! As an older student who returned to college later after working full-time for many years, I never thought that I would get this opportunity to study at a world-class university, especially in Ireland. I have met life-long friends, experienced magical moments that cannot be explained, and had opportunities since returning home that would not have been possible had I not leapt to do so!  

How can prospective students make the most of their Summer School experience? 

Do the reading! Attend the lectures! The professors who are a part of this program are experts in their field, and this opportunity to learn from them at an Irish university is not something that will always be available! The second most important thing I would suggest is that they go into Galway city and seek out the locals. I learned and experienced so much more by wandering around and chatting with the strangers I encountered than simply remaining with the group of friends I made that were fellow American students.  

 

Kathleen’s stunning photographs of Ireland were exhibited in the University City Public Library at University of Missouri–St. Louis, find out more here.  

Find out all about the International Summer School here.