Digital Storytelling Film and Final Reflection

Video Created by Natalie Leduc

Before going on this trip, I honestly did not pay much attention to politics or many social issues. I was too busy to watch or read news and politics just did not interest me much. I knew that there was a lot going on with regards to the Trump administration and foreign affairs but the constant updates and changes were always too much for me to stay up to date on or pay attention to. For these reasons, I was highly uninformed on what was happening in regards to many issues in our own country. It may sound weird but there is something oddly comforting about finding out that the issues we face in America are universal problems. Americans are not the only ones with problems, everyone has them. Ireland has just as much issues with housing shortages, immigration limits and domestic violence, just to name a few of the major issues. 

After this trip, my desire to travel more has just been magnified. I have always wanted to travel the world but was also very nervous and did not know if I could actually do it not just financially but emotionally as well. This trip has given me the confidence to know that I would be capable of traveling on my own or with family or friends. I loved being able to immerse myself in another country and culture. One thing I was worried about before going to Cork was having to learn the city and potentially getting lost, but it was actually much easier to get around than I had anticipated. The majority of places we went to were in walking distance from the hotel and we all became comfortable finding our way around quickly.

Through the “Rebel City” I have learned that there are many issues that our societies are facing and people who are willing to fight against the issues. There are those who call themselves activists without hesitation and those who are more reserved with the term but still do the work. What we have to do, though, is reach out to join those communities of people and activists. As humans, we are naturally drawn to be in community with others. We are social beings who typically need interaction with others. When people act together as a collective group, they can be stronger. A sociopolitical movement for change may start small with one person but as more people come together in support of the cause, the group can do much more and have a stronger impact.

Before this trip, I did not see myself as an activist. Typically, I photograph things that I find beautiful, mostly images in nature. I did not think my photographs told a story or put out a message, but I have realized that in photographing the beauty of nature I am advocating for my love of nature and environmental preservation. One of the big concepts I learned from this trip is that I can make an impact on others through my work as an artist. We each have at least one issue we care about, whether we truly realize it or not, and have something to contribute. I have the ability to incite change or simply inform others of the issues we are facing in our society. Yes, I can still photograph just for myself, but I can also use my talent in a way that benefits more than just myself.