In our Northern Roots series, we speak to readers originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere, or vice versa. This week’s interviewee is Melania Duca-Canavan, originally from Italy and now living in Northern Ireland. 

 

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 landed in Belfast on a ferry after driving across Europe in December 2016. It took us 4 days of travel from my native Italy and I remember I have never felt so cold in my life!

I am a scientist – scientific research has always been my first love. I came here not only because I fell in love with a charming Irishman, but I also evaluated that it was time for me to go and find my ‘true self’. And here I am, taking care of a different family and different friends, with a different passion – teaching students how to deal with the most complicated of things, the mind; this marvellous gift and the most divine of all our organs.

 

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

I love it. You never choose who or what to love – they choose you! Northern Ireland chose me. NI gave me the chance of a new life. I was welcomed. Northern Ireland is raw. Medieval, in so many aspects. It’s an astonishing place with unique beauty and massive potential.

I believe in Irish people. The same as they keep believing in me, when they share their stories on my couch, put their vulnerability in my hands and let me help their recovery. They want to change. They want to recover. They want to have a voice and be heard.

Italy is very divided today – ignorance, corruption and massive national debt have brought about a moment of difficulties for everyone. I see so many more opportunities in Northern Ireland – politically, socially and economically.

 

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

Always! Despite all talk about Brexit, Northern Ireland has offered me hope since day one.

 

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 will stay as long as I can – until then, anything I will produce as a result of my research in mental health will be in and for Northern Ireland.

 

What can Northern Ireland learn from your home country?

I would encourage Northern Ireland to take more risks. Italians can be over-confident; please, Irish people, don’t be like that, but do learn to be more confident. Look at yourselves and be proud of your extraordinary roots and powerful connections with nature.

 

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

Money to research mental health. There is nothing we cannot achieve if we want to.

 

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

I think it could do much to promote honest journalism.

 

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

Not out for dinner but definitely on my couch, for a therapy session. Trump and Putin for sure, then maybe I would simply re-invite Robbie Butler for a coffee. He’s the only person involved in politics who had the decency to turn up a couple of times with the intention to talk to me about mental health policing.

 

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

Individuality unfolds from wholeness. It is a quote from David Bohme, a physicist who was also a great philosopher. That wholeness is the reason of our own existence. That wholeness is what we should aspire to.

Check out some of our other recent Northern Roots interviews: