Finding Community Abroad: Róisín Lee’s J-1 Journey in Boston
Moving to a new country across the ocean is no easy task, but for Róisín Lee, she was fortunate to find a piece of home in her role at the Irish Pastoral Centre in Boston, her spot on the Boston Shamrocks, and by watching Sunday games at the Irish Cultural Centre.
As a Communications and Community Outreach Associate at the Centre, an Irish community resource and support organization based in the heart of the Boston Irish community in Dorchester, Róisín felt grateful to have been a part of such a great organization. “I feel very privileged,” she shared, “to work at such a valuable organization that offers necessary support for the health and wellbeing of many people here in Boston, as well as great social and community events”.
Róisín loved the variety her job offered, with no two days ever being the same. This allowed her to learn and develop new skills while still enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Thanks to a short commute, she did not have to get up too early and was able to spend her evenings chatting with her family back home in Galway, exercising, cooking, and unwinding.
Her love for Boston was equally clear, even though she had the chance to visit other U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Nashville. No matter where she went, she was always happy to return to Boston.. “Boston is the best!” she said. “Boston has no off-season, there is always something to do”. Whether attending sports games, concerts, or exploring scenic spots like the Public Garden and Beacon Hill, she found it hard to pick her favorite spot. But there was one place in particular that felt like home–Adams Village in Dorchester.
Reflecting on her J-1 year, Róisín explained that making new friends was one of her main goals. Rian helps facilitate this by hosting a WhatsApp group for other J-1s living in Boston and those arriving soon, allowing them to connect and meet up. Many of the friends she made were also new to Boston, so they all leaned on each other as they adjusted to this new chapter. She was also able to see friends from back home when they all met up in Nashville together. They celebrated the 4th of July there and Róisín notes “the music and atmosphere there was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before”. The experience was unforgettable and she highly recommends it.
Róisín continued to express her appreciation for the support she received from Rian throughout her journey. “Rian was incredibly helpful from the start”, she said, explaining that she chose Rian because of its strong reputation. From facilitating the WhatsApp chat to always being responsive to emails, she is definitely happy she chose Rian to help in her J-1 journey.
For those who are considering a J-1 year, Róisín has a few words of wisdom: “As hard as it is, just put yourself out of your comfort zone. Go to things on your own, nobody is actually looking at you, everyone is too busy worrying about themselves. You never know where an opportunity could lie in the US.” She encourages future J-1s to attend Irish networking events as well, as they were a fantastic way for her to make connections, especially when she was first trying to secure a job.
When asked about the best part of her year, Róisín struggled to pick just one highlight. Her work, travels, and new friends certainly were a large highlight as well as the opportunity she had to play Ladies Gaelic Football with the Boston Shamrocks. “Sundays in Canton are an absolute highlight for me!” she said. Between the weekly training sessions and watching games at the Irish Cultural Centre, she will always cherish the summers spent in Boston.
Róisín’s year in Boston was filled with professional development, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friendships. Her story is definitely a testament to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone but still finding your place in a brand new city and embracing all of the opportunities that come with the J-1 visa.