Over the clouds, over the ocean

I love being above the clouds. Seeing the sun shine off their billowy peaks reminds me of how small I really am. There is an entirely different landscape up here, flying across the Atlantic. The miles stretch below me, a living watercolor interspersed with fields of blinding white. It is frightening in a way, to know that there is no solid ground beneath my feet. Frightening, but beautiful.

Floating through this wispy terrain also reminds me that traveling is often uncomfortable. For one, I am not a huge fan of heights. Or screaming babies. There is not much more to be said on that subject. Traveling is basically a bunch of people who do not know each other willingly forcing themselves to spend extended periods of time in confined spaces. Yet we keep doing it. Why?

Being uncomfortable forces you to grow. It opens your eyes to what is different. To what is beautiful. It allows you to encounter that which is new. Only through a process of pruning can new growth appear. After all, if I never flew, I would never know what the tops of clouds looked like anyways.

-McKenzie Croghan

Ready for Ireland

Here I sit, ready for the Irish weather in my big, yellow raincoat!

I’m not quite sure if I can consider this the first day of our study abroad, considering the fact that the class won’t depart from Louisville until tomorrow evening.  I have developed an ugly habit that some would call “procrastination”. This has led me to last minute preparation.  I believe I have printed all of the documents I need, such as articles to read on the airplane, the itinerary, and my ticket confirmation number. The biggest task remaining is to actually pack my suitcase!

I will have to pick up some souvenirs for my father and son because they will be the ones taking me to the airport. Though my 4-year-old will likely dispute it, he will not be the one driving the car.

It’s been almost a decade since I have travelled internationally. Because I have never been to Ireland, I am enthusiastic and trusting that this course is designed for students not only to learn from the universities we will be visiting, but also to have an opportunity to view the Irish countryside and lifestyles. I look forward to the new discoveries that will ultimately contribute to my worldview and cultural perspective.

It is my understanding that Art Therapy holds a different value and is practiced differently outside of the United States. I hope to discover some details which will help sculpt my own practice as an art therapist.

--Zach Geiser