“Sláinte, Philippines! The Lucky Child of Kildare is Off to Conquer the Philippines with a Big Heart!
Maynooth University’s very own Grace Barry, a first-year Social Science and Anthropology student, is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! She’s ticked off the bucket list and is preparing to trade in her Guinness for a plane ticket to the Philippines. Yes, you heard that right; she’s off to conquer the land of sunshine, Manny Pacquiao, and jeepneys!
But, she’s not just going for the tan (although, let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a bit of that radiant golden glow?). No, no, no! Our intrepid traveler is lacing up her hiking boots and packing her backpack to volunteer with the mighty Cork-based charity, SERVE. And, where, oh where is she headed, you ask? None other than the hallowed halls of Nano Nagle School in the Philippines!
As a Social Science and Anthropology student, Grace is no stranger to the concept of social justice. But, this experience will be a whole different ball game. She’ll be rubbing shoulders with the locals, learning about their daily struggles, and working together to make a difference in their communities. And, trust us, she’ll be doing it all with a healthy dose of Irish wit and humor – that’s what the Irish still have in spades, you know!
Now, you might be wondering what this intrepid adventurer is in for. Well, let us tell you; it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There’ll be hard work, heavy lifting, and long days in the sweltering heat. But, for Grace, it’s not just about building classrooms or planting trees; it’s about making a difference, one small step at a time. She’ll be working alongside the Philippine community to empower the young and old, to break the cycle of poverty, and to help them rise above the challenges they face daily.
And, who knows? Maybe, just maybe, she’ll find a wee bit of herself in the process. After all, it’s not every day you get to experience the raw beauty of the Filipino landscape, the vibrant markets, and the warmth of the local culture. It’s not every day you get to make new friends, forge unbreakable bonds, and be part of a community that will leave a lasting mark on your heart.
As she sets off on this epic adventure, we, here at Kildare Now, can’t help but feel a sense of pride. We’re not just sending off a young girl; we’re sending off a true ambassador for our great nation. We’re sending off a shining beacon of hope, a spark of kindness, and a healthy dose of craic agus ceol (that’s Irish for “fun and music”).
So, as we bid a fond farewell to our beloved Grace, we remind her: “May the road rise up to meet you; may the wind be always at your back; and may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields.” And when she returns, we’ll give her a hero’s welcome, ladling on the céilí band, the sangria, and the craic. For, after all, that’s what the Irish do best – we celebrate our heroes, we raise our glasses, and we still have a grand ol’ time!
Sláinte, Grace, and may the Philippines be forever changed by your visit!”
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