Previet! (That is hello in Russian) My name is Matthew Olson, and I am a graduate of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was born in Fond Du Lac, Wi, but I have lived all over the Midwest with Menomonee Falls, Wi being my latest home. I am coming to UW Madison to study Economics with a certificate in Computer Science, and I have general interests in Theology, Vintage Fountain Pens, Cooking and Retro Video Games. I have 6 siblings two dogs, a number of chickens, and my family may end up with a cat in a few weeks.
I joined the UW Rebels and Revolutions program as a way to simply go to Ireland. I have been trying to get my Uncle to take me over the last year, but hadn’t been successful. When I saw the email sent out about this program, I knew I had to sign up. I signed up pretty quickly, and have been waiting all summer for it! I really didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go, I just knew the James Joyce center was something I had on my bucket list, so as long as I could go there, I would be happy.
Looking more towards the class itself, I really didn’t know much about Irish history prior to the summer. It was a country that I knew had some cool historic value, but none I had ever looked into. The trip should be an enriching experience, and I am really looking forward to learning about this country that has played a huge role in American history.