Trinity University College
Kelly Fitzgerald (USA) MA Creative Writing 
When the Roman dramatist and philosopher Seneca said, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind,” I like to believe he was referring to his decision to study abroad. While not likely the case, his words still fit my newfound scenario perfectly.
Not too long ago, I was a young reporter, only a year out of college. I was looking for a new job, a new adventure and most notably, something to captivate my mind. Thankfully, I found my answer quickly in Trinity University College ; the school had an established international program, an intriguing year-long MA Creative Writing course, and what do you know, was also stationed a cheap Ryan Air flight from numerous countries I’ve been destined to visit. It didn’t take long for me to decide; I got a new passport (the first, unfortunately misplaced), bought a few outlet converters, packed and was on my way.
Having lived abroad for seven months now, I can safely say that Seneca was right. Somewhere amidst the handful of countries I’ve visited and suspect hostels I’ve frequented—oh yeah, and the enlightening lecturers I’ve heard—my mind has been infused with energy, confidence and a new vigor for writing and life. The only difficult part in describing this newfound mental clarity is deciding just when it began.
Perhaps it was when I climbed the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, fed flocks of swans in the pond outside Kensington Palace, and got lost in Chinatown, searching for that all-night buffet.
Or maybe it was when I visited my homeland, the great land of green hills, Guinness and good crac (that’s old-fashioned ‘fun’ for all you non-Irish speakers). Touring Kinsale’s harbor, shopping for Irish wool in Killarney and eating the best wings in the world at Galway’s Front Door, surely rank among the best.
And yet, the turning point could have been my journey down the winding streets of Rome, where I got lost on the way to the Trevi Foundation—finding the Spanish steps, the Roman Forum and the Coliseum instead—but still found it in time to toss a coin over my shoulder and pray that I would return again some day.
Then again, the days touring our own land of lovely Wales (a place I will now claim ownership and defend until my last breath) has certainly instilled new appreciation for history, tradition and wide-open spaces. How could feasting my eyes on St. Martin’s Haven and Tenby’s beach not?
In the end, it’s simply impossible to choose between all my travels—there are just too many memories to rank.
Seneca was absolutely right. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” I’ve been devouring and admiring other countries for months now. It’s invigorating. It’s life changing. It’s freeing. It also enhances the value of the place I left behind.
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