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| Ulster Project Du-Page 2002 By Niamh Mc Gee
Last year, when I was packing up my personal belongings to move to London from Derry for my first year at law school, I had to be quite selective given that my new room would be significantly smaller than the one at home. This, however, did not deter me from bringing my Ulster Project journal from 2002 which was signed by all of the other teens who participated that year, as well as my host family and leaders. The journal is certainly one of my most prized possessions since the friendships that I formed that year have lasted until now in some cases and additionally the messages there are so sincere and evoke so many happy memories of my summer in Du Page. Since Ulster Project all of the teens from Derry/Londonderry made a big effort to stay in touch, despite the fact that the years immediately following our participation were some of the most important and busiest academically, filled with exams. Particularly in 2003 and 2004 we met up on a monthly basis in neutral parts of the city and all stayed in touch with the help of MSN. Additionally many of us enjoyed visits from our teens and host families. This was particularly enjoyable as it allowed us to share some of our culture with them and have our own families meet the amazing people who had given us all such a wonderful summer. I feel that even now my experience of Ulster Project and what it meant to me becomes clear when reading the book and especially in the speech that I was asked to deliver at the closing ceremony, which took place a day or two before we had to leave (from O’Hare where everyone from teens, to leaders, to host mums and dads cried their eyes out): “Prior to my enrolment in the Ulster Project my circle of friends was centered around my school which is predominantly Catholic, and so, although I personally wasn’t prejudiced against Protestants I didn’t associate with many. The town in which I live is home to many people who are prejudiced against those of other religions. The prejudices of these people, both Protestant and Catholic, cause segregation to pervade all sections of the community. Basically what I mean is that it is extremely unusual to find large groups of Protestants and Catholics who are friends. This is why the Ulster Project and other organizations like it are vital to eradicate segregation. After a month in DuPage with all of you I know that this is possible and there is hope for Northern Ireland because my memories of the first Ulster Project meeting are the following; Sixteen teenagers from different areas of Derry, with different interests and beliefs got together. For a while the atmosphere was tense and awkward as no-one knew where to look or how to behave- until Frankie (our leader) began to talk and taught us all how to ‘speak Chinese’ as an ice breaker. At the following meeting we met Debs (our other leader from Derry) and played another hilarious ice-breaking game in which we had to guess which celebrities name was on our forehead by asking the other members of the group questions about the person. Following those first few meetings everyone was beginning to become more comfortable and also to get along better. At the more recent meetings which preceded the actual trip we were all getting along like old friends, looking forward to seeing each other every week and especially excited about our impending trip to America together. I, personally found that being with my travel buddy, Jemma, made leaving my parents easier as we both shared the same anxieties about being away from them for a whole month which, at the time, seemed like an eternity. However, now that the month is drawing to a close I can’t comprehend how it has flown by so quickly and, although I can’t wait to see my family back home, I am, quite frankly, dreading returning to a life without all of my American friends and also my American family, the Mc Kenzies. I have become especially close to my teen Allie, as we are so similar in terms of out likes, dislikes, interests and beliefs. I have loved meeting the Mc Kenzie’s extended family and friends and sharing the month with them as they made me so comfortable and welcome in their lovely home, always making sure to include me in everything as a member of the family. I’ll never forget how touched I was at the family picnic when Marianna wrote ‘ALLIE AND NIAMH’S MOM’ on her name badge or all of the times when she gave me a hug when I felt lonely, usually rights after a long phone call from home. I appreciate it all and love you all dearly for treating me as you did. During my stay I had an opportunity to sample all aspects of American life; from cheerleading to soccer camp, to cook outs, to movies, to just ‘hanging out’ with Allie’s friends, watching movies at Greg’s and swimming fully clothed in Neal’s pool, in addition to learning how to play softball. I loved every minute of all of these experiences. I also enjoyed the extraordinary events such as the July 4th parades, sock hop, variety show, laser tag, Great America, Magic Waters and all of the other million and one events that we participated in. Through these fantastic activities I have become friends with the whole group and love every one of you- regardless of religion. Furthermore, I liked getting to know everyone better and hear of backgrounds so different to mine from other teens from my own city during Adventure Sharing and the numerous House Parties. Finally, I just want to say thank you to everyone who was involved, you’ve given us the summer of a lifetime and you’ll never be forgotten by any of us!” Even today, I really am so grateful that I was able to participate in such an amazing project. I saw the impact that it had among the most polarized and politicized Catholics and Protestants who became best friends. For two girls in particular this would NEVER have occurred in Derry since they were from the two opposing and most sectarian areas of Derry. It is widely recognized that traveling and experiencing other cultures and ways of life, especially during your formative years is extremely beneficial and I firmly believe that Ulster Project’s effect upon all of the members of my group proves this. For many people who participate this might be one of the only opportunities for their eyes to be opened to the possibility of improving the situation in Northern Ireland. Therefore, I am urging anyone who has the time and energy to participate in the project to do so. It really was one of the best experiences of my life, I gained so many friends and another family and this is an assertion that I guarantee would be supported by anyone else who has participated in the past. |