We’re re-launching our Northern Roots series, where we speak to people originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere – or vice versa. The latest interviewee is our very own Michael Avila, originally from California and now in Northern Ireland. Michael will be coordinating the Northern Roots series, so what a better way to kick it off again than for him to put himself in the shoes of an interviewee? You can follow Michael on Twitter @AvilaMedia.

 

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

I first came to Northern Ireland in 2008. I took part in a year-long study abroad programme at Ulster University’s Magee Campus in Derry/Londonderry. A lot of my fellow Americans chose the sunny beaches of Spain or the bright lights of Paris to study abroad – I chose ‘Stroke City’! And I have no regrets about that! My time spent living in Duncreggan Student Village was the best time of my life – and, in many ways, my most formative year.

I’m originally from a small suburb of Oakland called San Leandro in California’s beautiful Bay Area. It is an ex-industrial city, akin to Belfast in that way. It was a great place to grow up and, despite the fact that I have moved around so much, I am still in contact with a lot of people in the ‘East Bay’ where I grew up. I have also lived in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego in California, in Austin, Texas and in Cork at different times.

I came to Northern Ireland to study Irish history and culture and ‘The Troubles’. Eleven years later, I now work in cross-community and shared history projects – you can’t keep me away! I now reside in Belfast.

 

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

Well, first of all, despite the fact that many locals think I’m ‘mad’ for living here, I obviously very much enjoy it here. This is my third stint here over the last 11 years and I intend for it to be permanent. I often say to local people, after they hear my now weird, hybrid accent that I’ve officially “traded the weather for the craic!” The people really make it here. That’s something I don’t say often about California.

I am proud of where I’m from, too, however. It is quite different than NI. It is much more multi-cultural and the Bay Area has some of the leading innovators in business and tech, unrivalled anywhere in the world. I do miss the weather and the diversity, especially in regards to different cultures, different food and the variety of natural environments that characterise Northern California. I miss watching American sports regularly, too.

On the other hand, I do prefer Europe, in general. I caught the travel bug in my teenage years and there’s simply no substitution for Ryanair flights to any one of many stunning and culturally rich countries across Europe and for a fraction of an inter-state flight in California. Moreover, Irish people possess the humility, hospitality and humour that is simply not found anywhere else and that makes me feel right at home here.

 

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

I’m cautiously optimistic. Brexit is a dousy – I’ve never been supportive of it. However, most people I meet seem to be much more progressive and supportive of positive change that the main political parties here have never really afforded them. It gives me hope that that is the attitude of most citizens, especially in the younger generations who will be shaping NI for years to come.

I think the status quo before Brexit was fine – open borders, free trade – you barely knew which country you were in were it not for the road signs. You could be Irish or British – it felt like the orange and green thing was starting to matter less. Brexit brings a duality back that I think many people were starting to do away with and embracing the grey areas of what it means to be from here. Before the referendum, were you to ask me this question, I’d say unequivocally, “Yes, I am hopeful.” I think now it is a lot of, “Hurry up and wait.” No one – not even the Prime Minister – really knows what going on. So, the future feels uncertain, but, from what I see from people, I mostly see positivity and a desire to avoid the mistakes of the past.

 

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 plan to stay long term. I do consider this home now. With the travel bug and the prospect of international job prospects, I could see myself travelling and working farther away for a time, but my intention is to stay. I do not have any intentions on returning to the States, outside of family. If things go horrifically south with Brexit, I know for some of my international friends here that the temptation would be to look elsewhere and that would have to be a consideration. But, as of now, I’m committed to my work and life here and couldn’t be happier to call Belfast home.

 

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

To be honest, I think there are many things the US could learn from Northern Ireland and vice versa. For one, there is plurality in the states, which Northern Ireland lacks, but is gaining, little by little. The States are so diverse, with people from all different backgrounds and walks of life – especially so where I grew up – which creates an excellent opportunity to learn from multiple perspectives. I think things tend to be two-dimensional here. This is changing a bit because this generation has more opportunities to travel and be exposed to different people and perspectives. This can only be a positive thing for Northern Ireland’s future.

Also, on a personal level, you could learn a lot from our food. What Northern Ireland does, it does well, but, with a diverse population comes diverse cuisines, and this is something Northern Ireland could benefit from. The food scene is getting tremendously better here and I think it will continue to do so. My advice would be to embrace and try new food. Life is short and there’s a lot out there. If the demand for different cuisines continues to increase and new restaurants keep popping up, I’ll literally never leave!

 

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

Can I say get rid of sectarianism? I suppose that is the easy one. I’d like to see the progressive parties get a larger platform. It was encouraging to see the increase of support in the last local elections for the Alliance and Green Parties. This also fuels some of my optimism for the future and I would ensure they have a bigger and better platform for their policies.

Hmm… what else could I do (I already talked about the restaurant thing). I’d keep us in the European Union and, if I couldn’t do that, then I would fight for a Northern Ireland-only backstop, with the hope of making us the Singapore of Western Europe. Yep, that would be nice…

 

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

Because I work in the community sector, I’d like to see more community workers and voluntary organisations using Northern Slant as a platform for their projects and the work they’re undertaking. There are so many great things going on in the community sector in the realm of arts, culture, music and sport that do wonders for cross-community and intercultural dialogue and better understanding between different communities. These are the positive stories we need to hear, too, and Northern Slant could be an excellent grassroots platform for getting the word out. I’d like to see that grow.

I’d also like to see increased engagement from some of the political parties. We approached candidates from all the major political parties in the local elections for interviews in April/May and, without mentioning any party specifically, a couple of the main parties declined to participate. Why? This is an open platform and we have people from literally every ‘slant’ and background possible contributing to this project. I think I was a bit disappointed by this because I do believe this is the future of media and journalism in Northern Ireland. So and I think it was a missed opportunity – I very much hope candidates and representatives from all parties will see this platform as a safe space to share and explain their views.

 

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

The first politician I would ask to dinner is John Blair, the MLA for South Antrim. The man is shrewd and puts all his energy and then some into his constituency. He’s had to overcome such adversity to get where he is in his career and I admire that.

The second politician I would ask is Ian Paisley, Jr. – I’d be interested in hearing his answers to a few questions.

The third would be Gerry Adams, just because he’s Gerry Adams.

 

9. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

Recently it’s been, “’at’s us nai!” – I’m a slave to trends…

 

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

Come to Northern Ireland. There’s loads to learn and a ton of craic to be had!

Additionally, enjoy what you have, California. I think often – and I’m sure I’ve been guilty of this, too – Californians aren’t always as appreciative of what they have and where they live. It is an absolutely gorgeous state with so much to do and so much opportunity. However, I find the culture to be very competitive and quite superficial, and I think this ultimately makes people unhappy. Despite all the ‘troubles’ here, I think people are generally grateful for what they have. I took travelling to open my eyes to this and this is definitely a message I’d like people back home to hear.

That being said, I do miss you, California – so visitors are welcome to Belfast any time!

 

You can read other interviews from our Northern Roots series here. If you would like to take part in the series, please contact us.