Alexandra Ergas, Brand Coordinator

Introduction

Upon my arrival in Boston, as a true West Coaster, I had a realization that this was only the second time I had been to the American East Coast in my life. I thought, what an amazing opportunity to explore a city and region I had never spent time in, as well as make friends and network with the CP Boston office! I couldn’t wait to explore and learn as much as I could.

Getting to Know CP Boston!

After a messy travel journey with a layover in Chicago, I was ready for an exciting day in the office, exploring the beautiful 3-story space and meeting a majority of the friendly faces at CP. I set up one-on-one coffee catch-ups with someone from each department over the course of the month, as this was one of the best ways to learn the team structure within the company. By the end of my month abroad, I came to understand the intricate workings of an advertising agency and the real teamwork it takes to keep the machine running smoothly.

Historic Sightseeing

While in Boston, I took advantage of the rich history the area has to offer, including the Gilbert House Museum and Salem, my two favorite spots. The Gilbert House took me deep into the historic neighborhood of Back Bay, where I had the chance to tour a fully preserved Victorian-era brownstone home, including all rooms and an overview of the Gilbert family history. My other favorite experience was visiting Salem, home of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, where I explored multiple museums and funky, Halloween-themed shops. These experiences are much different than what I’m used to, and have become fond memories. I also explored the Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard University, the North End, the Boston Public Library, and more!

Things I Learned About Myself

During my time in Boston, I was exposed to a much different work environment than I had been accustomed to in my career over the past few years, the majority of which was remote. I came to the realization that I thrive in a social and in-person office environment. I am more of an in-person and hands-on learner and strongly believe I have the ability to learn at twice the speed while surrounded by those who have been working in the role for some time before me. I also learned I have the ability to be far more independent than I had thought previously. Living completely alone in a new city is only as scary as you make it – and it’s easy to fill your days with meeting new people and building your own adventures. I am forever grateful for the wonderful opportunity I had with CP Abroad, and could not recommend it enough to anyone considering this wonderful program!

Matty Habersaat, Media Planner

A Month of Growth, Travel, and Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments

Traveling abroad to Ireland was an experience I will never forget. Before this trip, I had never been to Ireland—let alone traveled internationally by myself. Given a past travel mishap involving a disastrous checked bag incident under an airplane, I was determined to make this trip work with just one carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Somehow, I managed, and what followed was a month of adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

Upon my arrival, I was met with warmth and hospitality from the Dublin office. The team’s kindness made it easy to build relationships and settle into my new home for the month. They were quick to share their knowledge of the city and its culture with me and I realized that in many ways, Dublin was reminiscent of Boston with its easy-to-navigate layout and rich historical backdrop. Among the many sites I visited, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Trinity College campus, and Dublin Castle stood out as my favorites (it also wasn’t hard to find a decent pub either). 

Beyond Dublin, I took several day trips to explore more of Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes and historic sites. Each location presented unique learning opportunities, pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar. Belfast, Northern Ireland, Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains, and Kilkenny each left a unique impression on me, deepening my appreciation for the country’s history and natural beauty. Each destination had something special to offer—whether it was the medieval charm of Kilkenny, the serene lakes of Glendalough, or the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. 

One of the greatest advantages of the program was the opportunity to travel abroad beyond Ireland. My girlfriend and I took a quick weekend trip to Valletta, Malta—a place unlike any I had visited before. The architecture, history, and atmosphere of the Mediterranean city was captivating and reinforced the importance of being open to diverse experiences and perspectives. It was a completely different experience from Ireland, and I’m grateful for the chance to expand my horizons and explore another part of Europe during my time abroad.

My passion for football (soccer) provided a unique lens through which to observe Irish and English culture. Attending matches live, particularly at Port Vale FC with my dad, allowed me to connect with locals on a deeper level. This was the highlight of my soccer journey, as I’ve had a personal connection with the club since visiting when I was 12 years old. Knowing that my dad and I had traveled all the way from the U.S. to see a game, the club went above and beyond, introducing me to both faculty and players while parading me around the ground. The incredible hospitality we received was a testament to the unifying power of shared passions. This experience reinforced the importance of building relationships and finding common ground in a foreign environment.

Overall, this experience was nothing short of life-changing. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity CP provides to work abroad, which exposed me to the advertising industry in a different country and allowed me to build new relationships with my peers. More importantly, I learned a lot about myself. This experience challenged me to adapt to new routines and cultures, navigate new places, and embrace the unexpected. I returned home with a greater understanding of myself, a broader perspective on the world, and a renewed sense of confidence. 

For anyone considering this program, I highly recommend it. The stories and memories I’ve gathered during this trip will stay with me forever, and I will always cherish the personal and professional growth I gained along the way. 

Valentine’s Day hits differently when you’re newly single, but hey—heartbreak has a way of teaching some unexpected lessons. My girlfriend recently broke up with me, and let’s just say I’ve had plenty of time to reflect. Here’s what being single has taught this CPer about contextual targeting.

❤️‍🩹 It’s all about being in the right place at the right time 

Contextual targeting focuses on hitting consumers at a time when they’re primed to receive your message. When approaching a girl you’ve never spoken to before, you want to make sure the time and place are right to make the biggest impact.

❤️‍🩹 Sometimes audiences are hard to reach, but understanding their habits makes it easier to get your message across 

Reaching niche audiences can be very difficult, but contextual targeting allows you to place your brand around the content that this audience would be consuming. Similarly, when you have a very specific type of girl in mind, understanding what they like can make it much easier to create a connection.

❤️‍🩹 Sharing cookies used to be the way to get to someone, but with more focus on consumer privacy, we need to look to alternative options 

With cookies eventually being sunset due to consumer privacy restrictions, advertisers have utilized contextual targeting to reach their audience. Nowadays, there is a much greater emphasis on safety around strangers. Buying a drink for someone (the human equivalent of sharing cookies) might not be the way to approach a girl.

❤️‍🩹 Surrounding yourself with relevant conversation makes the connection stronger and more authentic

When using contextual targeting, your ads will always show up around relevant content. When looking for someone to approach for a conversation, it will always be easier if you have similar interests to focus the conversation around.

❤️‍🩹 Keywords can often mean different things to different people 

Contextual targeting allows you to show up around keywords that otherwise might show up on a blocklist. For example, the word “shooting” might appear on a traditional blocklist, but for a brand looking to advertise around basketball content, it takes on an entirely different, brand-safe meaning. Similarly, an ex-girlfriend might have enjoyed being called “honey,” but this won’t be the case with everyone you meet. 

Signed, Anonymous 

This semester, our interns immersed themselves in the world of advertising, tackling creative challenges, mastering new skills, and embracing collaboration. Their unique perspectives and growth have been inspiring, and we’re sharing the lessons they’ve learned and the moments that made their experience unforgettable.

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The focus on learning and professional growth at CP has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience here. My leaders consistently challenged me to explore new technologies and elevate my thinking. As a result, I’m leaving CP with a deeper understanding of how to uncover an audience’s motivations and interpret them effectively.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the creativity that comes with being a strategist. It’s not just about gathering research—it’s about translating insights into relatable, human terms that illuminate what drives an audience. CP’s approach of thinking like a cultural anthropologist, rather than just a strategist, has completely reshaped how I approach consumer research and insight development.

Ella Schroeder, Strategy Intern
Boston University

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I believe that we grow through challenges, and learning to use Adobe Premiere was no exception. At first, editing with this tool felt difficult and frustrating, but I didn’t let that hold me back. Through hard work and persistence, I was able to overcome the obstacles it presented. Now, I’m both proud of my progress and confident in my ability to tackle similar challenges in the future.

This internship also gave me a deeper understanding of how complex launching an ad campaign truly is. With so many moving parts and people involved at different stages, I’ve gained a new appreciation for the process. While I initially focused on the creation of materials, I now have a greater respect for the importance of pre-production.

Abby Rhodes, Maker/Video Production Intern
Clark University ’24

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My time at CP taught me more than just technical skills—it nurtured a sense of curiosity that pushed me to dig deeper, question the numbers, and approach problems with a “how can I improve this?” mindset. I also honed my ability to communicate data insights clearly, making them accessible to anyone, no matter their familiarity with data.

One of the most rewarding experiences was a team sharing session where we learned from each other’s journeys. Hearing how my teammates tackled challenges and grew through their experiences was truly inspiring. These sessions weren’t just about exchanging knowledge—they were about building connections, growing together, and understanding how collaboration elevates us all.

Mia Park, Analytics Intern
Boston College

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The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Connelly Partners is the importance of simply starting creative projects, even when the direction isn’t fully clear. Some of my projects came with vague or limited guidance, and I realized that taking those first steps, instead of getting “stuck” at the beginning, is essential. Now, I feel more confident starting projects with minimal direction, knowing I can refine and adjust as I go.

This internship also showed me just how collaborative this industry is. While I knew creative production required teamwork, I discovered that advertising-specific production involves even more moving parts than I had imagined. Working alongside my fellow interns gave me a firsthand look at how every department plays a unique and vital role in bringing advertising projects to life. This experience has illuminated aspects of the industry I hadn’t fully understood before.

Shayna Smith, Creative Production Intern
Boston University

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Although I studied advertising in school, there’s so much they don’t teach you about how an agency operates or the many roles and people that make it all come together. During my internship, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how agencies run and how they collaborate with clients. I’ve also had the chance to discover more about my own design style while exploring different approaches. Designing for a wide range of clients has challenged me to adapt my style to fit their unique needs, which has been both exciting and rewarding.

One of the things I love most about what I do is concepting and brainstorming ideas. There’s something so energizing about sitting down and coming up with countless ways to tackle a brief or meet a client’s goals. I also enjoy expanding on those ideas and figuring out how to bring them to life. On top of that, working with others has been incredibly rewarding. I love connecting with people, and I truly believe that collaborating can take ideas to a whole new level.

Juliana LaPorta, Art & Design Intern
The University of Alabama

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During my internship at CP, I thoroughly enjoyed getting hands-on experience with influencer partnerships, managing social media accounts, and content creation. Collaborating with my team, seeking their advice, and learning from their expertise made the experience even more rewarding. It allowed me to dive deeper into the strategic and dynamic elements of the industry.

The most valuable lesson I learned was the power of strategic thinking—how thoughtful, well-planned decisions can drive both creativity and results in campaigns. I also came to appreciate the importance of networking within the agency, building relationships, and asking questions. These connections and insights have been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Chloe Jackson, PR, Social Media, and Influencer Intern
College of Charleston

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During my internship, I developed valuable relationship-building skills, including the importance of being transparent, staying optimistic, and offering support to clients without assigning blame for challenges. These lessons have strengthened my ability to foster trust and collaboration in a professional setting.

My time at the agency also highlighted just how team-oriented the advertising industry can—and should—be. It was inspiring to see people from different offices, departments, and even countries come together to create meaningful results for clients. One of my career goals is to work within a team of like-minded individuals who view teamwork, empathy, and enthusiasm not as optional, but as essential elements of impactful advertising.

Ryan Long, Digital Intern
Loyola University Maryland 

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These past three months have been an incredible immersion into the advertising industry. Working across a variety of clients has helped me refine my copywriting skills and taught me how to adapt my writing style to fit campaigns ranging from shrimp to kitchen tiles.

At Connelly Partners, I’ve had the opportunity to not only contribute to diverse campaigns but also collaborate with a team of talented creatives. Seeing how seasoned professionals bring campaigns to life has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience. Beyond the work itself, the agency’s positive and open culture has made a significant impact on my time here. From the people to the company-wide events, the supportive environment has been a highlight of my internship.

Overall, this experience has strengthened my passion for copywriting and made me even more excited about the possibilities of a future in the field.

Clem Mark, Copywriting Intern/Creative
Boston University ’24 

 

Shannon Bresnahan, Brand Supervisor

Even before I was hired at Connelly Partners, I knew I was going to apply for the CP Abroad Program. During the many conversations leading up to my start at the agency, I learned so much about the program and grew increasingly excited. Prior to joining CP, I had some serious peaks and valleys in my life (felt like more valleys, but hindsight is always 20/20) and taking a trip seemed like just the experience I needed to bring me back to my old self. 

Curiosity Leads to Confidence

On the outside, I look like a pretty confident person, but like everyone else, I have my moments of doubt. Over the past few years, those moments had been growing, leaving me feeling increasingly uncertain about myself. Outside of work, I’ve never felt confident enough to grab dinner or a drink alone, let alone travel to another country solo. And at work, I tend to be more curious in meetings and listen to everyone else’s perspectives without always giving my own.

As a single woman, I lived in Dublin alone for the month and traveled by myself for two out of my five weekends abroad. Traveling solo in other countries pushed me into a new level of confidence I hadn’t tapped into before. I was, of course, having meals on my own and meeting new people, but I was also doing day trips and excursions alone, hoping to squeeze in as much as I could in a short amount of time. As I explored new experiences and built confidence, my curiosity about the world grew, and I wanted to play an active role in it rather than simply observing from the sidelines.

I could start to see a shift in my confidence at work even while I was still in Dublin. I was speaking up more in meetings and was less uncertain about my opinions. I’ve always been encouraged to share my thoughts and opinions at work, but I often held back, worried that someone might disagree or see my input as irrelevant. Once I started speaking up more, I realized just how wrong I was— my voice truly does matter.

As a Brand Supervisor, my work life is very organized with timelines and project plans guiding every client activity. In my personal life, I live more in the gray and fully embraced this on my solo trips. Occasionally I booked some tours but overall, I didn’t plan what museums or attractions I would see and I was able to be fully in the moment and absorb all the sights around me.

I’ve come to appreciate the excitement of embracing the gray areas, and I now want to bring that mindset into my work. Timelines will always be essential, but not having every detail doesn’t mean a project will fall apart. The unknown keeps you adaptable, ready to expect the unexpected and handle whatever comes your way.

I would have traveled without CP Abroad, but having the opportunity to fuse work and play taught me a lot about myself and how I want to work with my colleagues and clients moving forward. This is such a unique program and I can’t thank CP enough for the chance to live in Dublin for a month. I loved every moment and can’t wait to go back.

Ronan Doyle, Global Art Director

What a Time to Visit

Goosebumps. And not from the cold—in fact, this October was probably the warmest I’ve ever experienced. Blue skies, sun, and crazy vibrant Autumn colours. My Boston colleagues had told me fall is one of the best times to visit, and hey, they definitely weren’t wrong.

Frankie, my wife, and I had been to Boston once before in 2020, but the pandemic quickly cut that trip short. We had to leave without really seeing very much of the city, and everything shutting down around us. This time, however, was different, and it certainly delivered ten-fold. Boston has easily climbed to the top of our list of favorite cities, it has amazing history, rich culture, fantastic food, and incredibly friendly people.

Wanderlust

We usually skip the typical tourist attractions, preferring to wander and find hidden gems. Boston’s charm lies in its character—around every corner, there’s something new to see without it trying too hard to grab your attention. Whether we were climbing Bunker Hill, catching a boat on the Mystic River, or trying pizza near Hanover Street, it really felt like a big city with the charm of a small town.

Of course, Boston has its iconic sports culture and flashy lights, but what we loved most were the small quirks—like the funny voice that says “wait” at traffic lights. 

Another important part of our trip was visiting New York to see the 9/11 Memorial. I remember passing by the same spot in 1996 when my brother drove us from JFK to Scranton. This time though, I didn’t want a picture; it was about quiet reflection, and a reminder of the importance of making a difference in life. Our company’s vision might adapt, but I’m starting to understand what it means to be “defiantly human.” For me, it’s about striving to make a positive impact and that stood out as a reminder that we all have a chance to do that.

People

Meeting the friendly people in the Boston office was by far the highlight. Putting faces to names is invaluable, and I think the more people get the chance to do this, the more our multiple offices will feel like one. Conversations flow much easier when you have a face to talk to and I’m sure it will be easier when you have a face to put with that random slack or email. An extra bonus was working on a U.S. project while there, and I’d encourage anyone visiting another office to get involved in a project no matter how big or small.

Kudos to everyone who organized the apartment—it was truly the icing on the cake. It felt like a home away from home, with everything we needed for the month. Having a local food market nearby kept us from overspending on eating out every night, as tempting as that was! Standing on the roof deck, gazing at the twinkling lights, gave me a sense of calm in this bustling city. It made me feel very small, but also reminded me of the huge world out there and the chance we all have to make a difference.

Some of the highlights included meeting everyone in the office (including Carl and Beau the dogs), a surprise visit from Cape Cod relatives, river walks by Charlestown, Halloween pumpkins, finding the famous Good Will Hunting bench, the view from the top of the Prudential Tower, the beautiful Beacon Hill, the New England Aquarium, Fenway Park, the Hatch Awards, iconic New York sights, and, of course, lots of cold brew coffee.

Thank You

I honestly wish I could have Boston on-tap every day—but thankfully, I still have access to some of its people through our Boston office. This was an experience I’ll carry with me for a lifetime, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity given to me.

Ronan

Mia Harvey, Brand Supervisor

After seeing so many of my colleagues have such amazing experiences on the CP Abroad program, I decided to take the leap and do the same! While I was incredibly fortunate to have friends and family visit me in Dublin, I spent a large chunk of my time alone, during which I cherished the moments with one of my greatest passions: reading. 

Coincidentally, some of my favorite books are set in Dublin and Ireland, including Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting. This provided the perfect excuse to revisit these beloved stories. As I settled into my working life, I found myself wandering the city each morning, tracing the footsteps of my favorite characters.

My explorations led me to the picturesque Trinity College, the charming Hodges Figgis bookstore, and, of course, the iconic River Liffey. Dublin is a city steeped in literary history, where the words of great authors resonate through its streets. I discovered more about the writers I admired, as well as those I hadn’t yet explored. I found myself at some of Dublin’s literary landmarks, such as Oscar Wilde’s statue in Merrion Square and his birthplace on Westland Row, and marveled at Trinity’s Long Room, feeling the weight of literary legacy all around me.

Alongside my favorites, I read James Joyce’s Dubliners, which immortalizes the essence of early 20th-century Dublin. As I walked through Temple Bar or along the Grand Canal, Joyce’s vivid depictions transformed my view of the city, revealing layers I hadn’t noticed before. During my last week in Dublin, Rooney’s latest release, Intermezzo, was published, allowing me to conclude my literary journey with one of my favorite authors, tying a perfect bow on my Dublin experience.

In addition to my reading adventures, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people at the Dublin office. My colleagues were not just coworkers; they were enthusiastic storytellers with their own insights into the city. Over coffee breaks and lunchtime chats, we exchanged recommendations for local spots. Their perspectives added depth to my understanding of Dublin, making the city feel even more vibrant.

By the time I arrived at the office each morning, I felt as if I had stepped into each story, becoming a character in my own narrative. Immersed in this vibrant city and enriched by the people I met in the Dublin office, I realized I was writing my own chapter in the ongoing tale of Dublin—a story inspired by the voices that came before me and the new connections I had made along the way.

Joshua Cook, Digital and Social Media Manager

Shipping Up To Boston?

Since joining Connelly Partners 18 months ago, I have been inundated with tales of Boston and the CP Abroad Programme. From Italian restaurants in the North End to sunsets on the apartment roof terrace, if someone in the company has had the opportunity to visit Boston, you won’t need to ask twice before they tell you all about it as you settle down for lunch. This ensures that you spend the rest of your day quietly dreaming of jetting off yourself at some point and experiencing all that the programme has to offer. 

I’d never been to America, I’ve hardly left Europe, in all honesty. So, a month spent alone on the opposite side of the Atlantic, engulfed in a culture that is so different to the one I know and have spent my life a part of, was daunting to say the least. I was anxious, nervous and a host of different emotions all rolled into one as my departure date drew ever closer. But, ultimately, I was ready to grab the opportunity with both hands and make the most of it in as many ways possible. 

Highlights

Connelly Partners couldn’t be more helpful in ensuring that you feel comfortable in the weeks leading up to your trip. About a week before I set off, I was put into contact with my ‘Buddy’ who had also spent quite a bit of time in the Dublin office. I was assured (or warned?) he would be a perfect match for myself. He wasted no time and organised to meet up on my first full day in Boston, he introduced me to some of his friends, included me in a Whatsapp group and even brought me along to take part in a NFL Fantasy Draft. For a man who had never even seen an American Football match, it was quite the introduction. Nevertheless, I bluffed my way through and this set the tone for the month that was to come in the Land of the Free. 

I met up frequently with so many in the Boston office at various events, which ultimately culminated in the CP 25th Anniversary Party on my penultimate night. As a huge sports fan, highlights of my trip included Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox and eat hot dogs (I had two and could have done more), catching a Bruins game at the famous TD Garden and soaking up the atmosphere in the city’s bars as the Patriots kicked off their season. 

It wasn’t all sports though, as I spent a weekend in New York like the tourist I am. I wandered around for 3 days in awe at the city I feel so familiar with from popular culture, yet I couldn’t quite get my head around, as a man from a small East Lancashire town in North West England. It was vast, it is never ending, it was truly mesmerising. 

That being said, Boston was certainly more at my pace and I loved spending the evenings wandering around and taking in some of the famous monuments that surround the city centre. Oh, and don’t forget Modern Pastry Shop, truly the GOAT Bakery in Boston. But, please don’t tell Mike I said that. 

Defiantly Human

There are too many people to individually thank for the great time I had on my trip. The only thing I can say is that the people I spent my time with really couldn’t have treated me in a more welcoming way, and I thank Connelly Partners for the fantastic opportunity given to me. I now look forward to being that person waxing lyrical around the lunch table and encouraging others to get over to Boston as quickly as possible.

Aimée Rose Keenan, Account Executive

When I first joined Connelly Partners, I was told that after a year I could apply to spend some time in the Boston office. The concept seemed so far away when I was hired, so out of the realm of anything I’d consider doing. But it’s funny how fast time goes by when you’re not thinking about it. I had such a busy year, both personally and professionally, and before I knew it, I was being encouraged by my colleagues to apply for an open spot in August. I’ve done a lot of solo travel in the past, including to the States, but I don’t think anything could have prepared me for how I’d feel spending the month in Boston. I couldn’t believe how settled and at home I felt after just one month, how kind all the people were, how easy the city was to get around and just how comfortable I would feel.

There’s something really incredible about travelling by yourself. It forces you outside of your comfort zone, makes you try new things, meet people, and go different places. I don’t think I regret a single thing I did while I was in Boston, and most of it I did alone; from baseball games to a Salem visit, to museum outings and walking tours.

Having said that, I also had some wonderful experiences with friends, both old and new!

I was lucky enough to be able to go on a trip to Plymouth with some new friends from the Boston office, which was perhaps the most relaxing weekend I had in August. And yes, I was brought to see the rock. I felt so grateful in getting to know the Boston team, everyone made me feel so welcome! I had a blast on the Brand Team outing, and even learned how to play a new sport: pickleball. some might even call it the fastest-growing sport in America… although I’m still convinced that everyone went extra easy on me.

I also had an incredible time in New York City with one of my friends from Dublin, far from the calming beaches of Plymouth. Comedy shows, jazz bars and thrift shopping made for a totally unique experience in and of itself!

To anyone feeling apprehensive about embarking on the CP Abroad Program or any new adventure, my advice is to do it anyway! It is such a wonderful and unique experience, and can teach you so much about who you are as a person and what you’re capable of, whether that’s on a personal or professional level. I can say for sure that I will absolutely be returning to Boston at some point in the future.

Dave Kimball, Chief Growth Officer

Dublin’s Roadside Lesson: Embracing True Kindness

Spending a month in Dublin offered me more than just professional growth, I encountered an experience that reshaped my perspective on kindness and human connection. We were driving in Galway on a beautiful but narrow road when, out of nowhere, a flat tire struck. Unfortunately, I had no spare in the car, and my family and I were stranded. What followed was a vivid lesson in the essence of genuine kindness.

As I stood by the roadside, every single passing car offered assistance except for one – which would have been me if roles were reversed, so no judgment there. But what stood out was the sincerity of their offers to help – each driver proposed to take me to a garage or help call for assistance. These small, authentic acts of kindness made me more trusting than I normally would be. So I accepted one of their offers (very unlike me), and had them bring my family to the intended destination (why have all of us sitting around when they could still have some fun).

Three hours later, when I reunited with my family, I discovered something remarkable. As my wife checked in with the service manager to collect our reserved tickets and mentioned that I couldn’t join due to the car trouble, the manager’s expression changed dramatically. He confessed that he was the driver who hadn’t stopped to help. Overwhelmed with regret, he showered her with apologies, explaining that he had been running late for work and had been carrying a heavy burden of remorse ever since. People from Ireland are just flat out nicer than Bostonians (no real surprise I guess).

This experience underscored a powerful lesson: kindness isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about being considerate and caring, even when it’s inconvenient. The authentic kindness I experienced reminded me that our everyday actions, no matter how small, can significantly impact others.