My name is Ariana Cairo, and I am from Venezuela. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies and Liberal Studies, with a focus on Politics, Philosophy, History, and Economics. Before being selected as an Ireland Fellow, I worked as a Coordination Officer with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)., where I assisted in coordinating humanitarian aid actors in Venezuela, including NGOs, UN agencies, and government bodies.

From the start of my career, I have focused on ensuring that my work makes a meaningful impact. With the opportunity provided by the Ireland Fellows Programme, I am currently pursuing an MA in International Development at University College Dublin. After my experience with OCHA and NGOs, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development. I hope to apply this knowledge to contribute to my country.

The Ireland Fellows Programme has provided me with numerous benefits, with some of the most significant being the improvement of my English skills, the opportunity to be part of a multicultural environment, access to high-quality education, and the chance to learn, both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, the security, history, and welcoming people of Ireland have made my study experience highly enriching.

I am particularly focused on strengthening my research and public speaking skills, which I consider valuable in any context or career path I pursue in the future. Moreover, having the opportunity to collaborate with classmates from various countries and interact with international professors adds significant value to the academic experience. The debates and discussions that arise contribute to the development of critical thinking.

When I first arrived in Ireland, the weather was a bit challenging for me. I am from Venezuela, where the weather is always warm and sunny, but over time, I have come to appreciate the Irish climate as well. The most noticeable difference between Venezuela and Ireland is the climate and the landscape. Ireland feels green, with nature all around, while Venezuela is known for its blue skies and warm beaches. Life in Ireland, from my point of view, tends to happen more indoors like in pubs, bars, and other indoor spaces while in Venezuela, with the Caribbean Sea nearby, itis much more common to spend time outdoors enjoying the warmth. Coming from a tropical country with nearly daily sunshine, I find it interesting to experience the contrast with Ireland. However, each place has its own unique charm.

During my fellowship, I hope to learn more about Irish culture, and about what are the professional prospects that arise after learning academically everything related to my master's degree. I would also like to get involved in professional and volunteer

experiences while I am here and hopefully build bonds with people I have met at university.

Moreover, I have enjoyed studying and learning in a new and different environment. Ireland has welcomed me very well. Every day I learn something new from the Irish people that makes me admire them for the country they have built, while maintaining their unique cultural roots.

I would recommend the Ireland Fellows Programme to prospective applicants. There are many reasons for this, but for me, it stands out because of the opportunity to be in a multicultural country with a high standard of education, and a history that shares more similarities with Venezuela than one might initially expect. The programme offers valuable learning experiences not only in the classroom, but also outside of it.

My advice to anyone thinking about applying for an Ireland Fellows Programme award is to be authentic! Trust that you can achieve what you aspire to, and don't be afraid of opportunities. We all have a story worth telling the world, and hard work is recognised. Applying to a programme like this is about being clear about where you want to go in life, and understanding what you need to do.