In our Northern Roots series, we speak to readers originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere, or vice versa – or who’ve spent time away from NI. This week’s interviewee is Kimberly Robertson who is originally from Boston, Massachusetts in the USA, before moving to Belfast.

 

1) Tell us about yourself. When did you come to Northern Ireland and where did you come from? What brought you here? What do you do now?

I’m from just north of Boston, Massachusetts. I first came to Northern Ireland as a student in the summer of 2013 for a three-week International Summer School program with the Institute for Irish Studies at Queen’s University Belfast. From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with Belfast and with Northern Ireland. I knew this was where I wanted to live. My university in America, UMass Lowell, has a consortium with QUB, and I was able to return to Belfast for a semester abroad in January 2014. In September 2015, I began my Masters degree at QUB and graduated with an MA in Irish Studies in 2017. During my studies, I fell in love with my (now) husband, who was born and raised here in Belfast; we got married in 2019. I permanently moved back to Belfast in August, I’m settling back into my Northern Irish life and am on the job hunt!

 

2) What do you think of Northern Ireland, and how does it compare to where you are from?

I genuinely love Northern Ireland. As so many Bostonians are, I am of strong Irish descent and always dreamed of visiting Ireland. From the moment I first arrived, I felt accepted and at home. I was very happy to discover how similar Boston and Belfast are. Both are relatively small, very walkable cities with history practically pouring from every area. I see so many similarities between the two cities; the narrow, cobblestone streets, the gorgeous architecture, and the seaside location.

 

3) Are you hopeful for Northern Ireland’s future? Does Brexit have any impact on you and how you view the future?

Even though I didn’t grow up here, and therefore never experienced the dark days of the Troubles, I was always aware of them. The Irish connection in Boston is so strong, and I remember news broadcasts from my childhood detailing the violence here. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement happened during my final year of high school – it was covered by American news stations and was well received in Boston.

Once I arrived in Belfast the first time, every preconceived notion I had of the north of Ireland was tossed right out the window. I saw a country that was deeply hopeful of a peaceful, prosperous future. I myself have great hopes for the future of Northern Ireland, and I hope that Brexit doesn’t destroy the peace that was so hard won. I see a country that has become more divided in the six years since I originally moved here.

Being American, I am not overly concerned over new immigration laws affecting myself, but I am concerned with laws that could impact people from EU countries who have made Northern Ireland their home. I hope a resolution can be found to ensure all who live here can continue to do so with little turmoil.

 

4) Do you think you will return home or do you plan to stay in Northern Ireland long term? Is there anything that may influence your decision either way? 

I don’t foresee our family leaving Northern Ireland in the future. This is my home, and it has been for six years. It’s where my husband and I intend to raise our family. I can’t see any situation where we would want to leave.

5) What can Northern Ireland learn from your home country?

One thing I struggle to come to terms with is the insistence of religious education in schools. In America, all public schools are non-religious. Religion is not taught, except in courses of world religions. I feel that this is one area that America does well. The emphasis on religion in schools in Northern Ireland truly baffles me. My husband and I are from different religious backgrounds, and fully intend on sending our children to integrated schools. My wish is that school integration continues here, and more schools sign up to this plan.

 

6) If Northern Ireland had a president with sweeping powers, and it was you, what would you do?

My first step would be to remove religion from state-sponsored schools. As I mentioned earlier, I grew up attending public schools in Massachusetts and we did not have any religious education. I believe that segregating children by religion at a young age severely impacts their growth as members of society. I have spoken to many people who are the same age as me, who have told me that they didn’t meet anyone of another religion until they entered university or the work force as an adult. Separation breeds division; intervening at a young age can prevent an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality. We live in a shared society and it is vitally important to counter misconceptions about people of different faiths.

 

7) What would you like to see more of on Northern Slant?

I think Northern Slant is a brilliant way to share multiple aspects of life in Northern Ireland. I especially like reading the stories of other Americans who have decided to make this country their home.

8) If you could ask three politicians (one from Northern Ireland) out to dinner, who would they be and why?

If I could invite three politicians to dinner, they would have to be George Mitchell, Bill Clinton and Tony Blair, purely to discuss the Good Friday Agreement and what they think of where we are twenty years down the road. If I could include politicians who are no longer with us, I’d add Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley.

 

9) Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

My favourite quote is: “I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

10) What’s your message for people back home?

My message to people back home would be, when you come to Ireland, and you absolutely should, don’t limit yourself to Dublin! This entire island is gorgeous and welcoming. There’s so much more to see. Definitely don’t neglect the North! We have incredible scenery, fantastic food, and friendly people. I feel that some people are still a little nervous to come to Northern Ireland, and they absolutely shouldn’t be. Belfast is a very safe city, and tourists are always welcome!