| Testimonials |
| When my parents first brought up the idea of being involved in the Ulster Project, I was not very enthusiastic. It meant giving up my summer with friends. I would have to share my room with a stranger from another country. I would have to meet thirty new people that I would see everyday for the month of July. Because of my reserved personality, I was not interested in hosting a girl from Northern Ireland.
Karen was the first person who came down the escalator as the Irish teens arrived at the airport. I had not received a picture of her with the biography she sent, so I had no idea what she looked like. I was holding a sign with her name on it, and as she walked up to me my opinion of the project changed. She introduced herself and I was amazed by her accent. I thought the car ride home would be awkward, but as we got to talking, it seemed like I had known her my whole life. Karen and I got to know each other through our long car rides together. We had to travel a half hour to most of the events because I did not live near everyone else in the Ulster Project group. Our car rides were always adventures. We got lost numerous times. We talked about everything during these trips. Some with importance like the issue between the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, and how it affects her daily life. Other things of less importance, like what music we like best. Because of our long car rides, we got to know the songs on the radio very well. Every time we heard “Hollaback Girl”, we would start singing at the top of our lungs. We also had our nightly midnight talks. We would stay up late talking about things that had happened that day or whatever was on our minds. Through these talks I learned that the project was not just about breaking down barriers for the Northern Irish, but also for me in the sense that I learned to meet new people. We did not seem to care that we would have to wake up early the next morning. Karen and I became so close by the end of July that she was not only my best friend, but also my sister. I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit Karen and her family in Northern Ireland. In the winter of 2005, I spent a week with Karen and meeting up with all the teens who came to DuPage County in the summer. The reunion was great. It was a big step for me to travel overseas and without my family. It was wonderful to spend time with all the teens from Londonderry/Derry in their home town. I plan on returning to Northern Ireland again this winter. The Ulster Project people changed me, especially Karen. I no longer have difficulties meeting new people. The project showed me that meeting new people is a good thing and getting to know the true personality behind them is even better. I would not change my summer of 2005 for the world. My friendship with Karen and experiences we shared are irreplaceable and have more sentimental value than any material item could ever possess to me. Colette Bradley Ulster Project 2005 |
| My name is Mark Walker. I am a Catholic from Derry, Northern Ireland. I was involved in the Ulster Project in the summer of 1997 and really enjoyed it. I stayed in Glen Ellyn with the Schuller family whom I love as I do my own family for the happy times that they gave me.
I play rugby with City of Derry RFC first team and I love it. We are a mixed team, (both Catholics and Protestants) and the atmosphere is great. I am 24 years old. As far as work is concerned, I currently work in a bar on Spencer Road in Derry, again it is a mixed bar and thankfully again the atmosphere is great. I owe my involvement in rugby and my decision to work in a mixed bar to Ulster Project as before I went to Illinois, I didn’t really know a lot Protestants. While I knew they didn’t have two heads I was glad to get the opportunity to meet up and make new friends, and find out more about their faith and up bringing. I was lucky when I went to DuPage. I got to stay with a fellow from Newbuildings called David Lynch. We stayed together as both our host families pulled out at the last minute and the Schuller family said they would take us both. Two years later David, Paul Gallagher (who also went in 1997 and has since been a leader with the UP) and me went back and stayed with the same families and had a ball. I would encourage all of you who can afford to give up some time and take a teen in for a month to do so. I can assure you that you will find it truly rewarding, and you will also get to learn a bit more about the Irish/Northern Irish community and culture. As much as there is now peace in our land, unfortunately there is still a divided between Catholics and Protestants. I learned a long time ago now that the only reason there is a divide is because there isn’t enough integration, so please if you can help out this great cause, take part! Mark Walker |