What went well?

• This week was mostly spent turning the raw transcript of the interview with Rory O'Hanlon into a streamlined form with provided context, in order to ensure its content is as relevant and digestible as possible for its final publication in the Journal of Cross-Border Studies. 
• I also had the chance to visit the city of Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland's second-largest city and a flashpoint of violence during the Troubles (including Bloody Sunday). The legacy of conflict is still alive in the very name of the city, with Nationalists preferring Derry and Unionists Londonderry. But the city has grown into a multicultural and vibrant urban landscape, clearly showing the progress made post-conflict. 

What could have gone differently?

• Unfortunately, there was not a large variety of work to do this week, since my supervisor was abroad for a conference in Canada and other Centre staff were preparing for the upcoming Cross-Border conference in the fall.
• Moreover, rising tensions were visible in Belfast in the lead-up to the anniversary of King William III's victory at the Battle of the Boyne on July 12. Parades by the Protestant Orange Order often antagonize nearby Catholic neighborhoods, leading to unrest and occasional riots - the reason for my Laidlaw project lasting 5 weeks instead of 6. Parades grew in frequency throughout the week, and we stumbled upon a mid-size one in Belfast City Centre, with marchers carrying replica rifles and wearing World War-era uniforms. This was both an unsettling reminder of times past and a sign of how far Belfast has come - the parade marched past without incident, owing partially to the policemen acting as buffers. 

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

• Looking back at the interview during the editing process, I realized that it took a very different skillset to prepare for an interview than it did to conduct it. While the questions I asked were relevant, my experienced supervisor was able to thread questions and context throughout the interview in a seamless way, drawing out anecdotes that I would have missed. I learned that I need to be more attuned to flow and relevance when talking to people about experiences of conflict. 

What did I learn about leadership?

• My experience in Derry/Londonderry showed me the importance of courageous leadership in each individual's actions in divided societies. Pubs and cafes either omitted sectarian symbols entirely, or proudly represented both Catholic and Protestant regalia alongside each other in recognition of their shared legitimacy. The moral leadership to openly declare allegiance to common ground was inspiring, and highlighted how small leadership in everyday interactions can go a long way towards fostering lasting peace. 

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

• As I prepared to leave Northern Ireland, I realized that working with communities is integral to ensuring responsible policy processes. I hope to integrate this understanding within my last year of study at Georgetown.