Joseph Ha
In Week 2 of my Dublin escapade, I finally fell into a good routine and began developing habits that already seemed rewarding and long-lasting. Rising at 7:00 AM each morning was a system shock to me at first—before that, I hadn’t awakened that early in almost a year—but by the middle of the week, I was springing out of bed and anticipating the day. There’s something invigorating in those pre-dawn hours: the empty streets, the soft light peeking through the curtains, and the knowledge that I’ve already “won” half the day before most folks are even waking up.
My internship in finance at Credebt has been a key driver of this change. Instead of the drudgery I was anticipating, I’ve been receiving real work that involves data analysis, creating financial models, and reporting findings to my co-workers. This is a wake-up call—instead of studying theory on corporate finance, I’m seeing how decisions are implemented in real-time in a real business. I log in every morning with renewed enthusiasm, ready to make an impact. Most of the time, when I’ve completed an assignment, I go out of my way to contact my manager or colleague and request more work. Their genuine gratitude makes me feel appreciated and ensures that I’m indeed a member of the Credebt family.
Aside from my professional progress, I’ve managed to find time to explore Dublin’s rich cultural offerings. The highlight of my week was a visit to the National Museum of Ireland. Stepping into its large galleries, I immersed myself in centuries-old artifacts—from intricate Celtic jewelry that spoke of ancient craftsmanship to lavish exhibitions on Ireland’s social history. As I wandered the halls, I was drawn in by the tales of the place and the people, each exhibit yielding a new revelation about the island’s heritage.
On the practical side of living abroad, I battled the high price of dining out by learning to cook. After adding up bills for weeks and seeing how easily the supermarket bills could escalate, I took to making meals in advance for the week. With a few basic recipes and some online tutorials, I’ve begun transforming ordinary foods into healthy, filling meals. It’s been liberating to be able to make my grocery list go further than it went before, and I’ve even started eating breakfast—a habit I never often had in college. Now I don’t see how I’d ever miss the morning meal; two days going without it and I’m noticeably off-kilter. In all, by the close of Week 2, not only was I settled in Dublin, but I was also truly home in my internship position. My confidence has increased leaps and bounds, and I can only imagine how these initial routines and experiences will continue to define the weeks ahead.
