Settling In

The past two months have flown by – no seriously, I need time to slow down! The days are fast and the weeks are faster here!

I can tell winter is trying to sneak in; we had a time change a few weekends ago and now it’s virtually dark by 5pm. I’m not sure I’m ready for the short, rainy winter days I’ve heard so much about but I guess I’ll just fortify myself with some vitamin D and keep to it.

In the past month with the rotary, I’ve continued to join my host club, Currie Balerno, for meetings, attended a virtual scholar orientation, presented to another club in the district about why I’m here studying and my hopes for the future, and attended the Rotary Districts annual conference in nearby Cumbernauld. The conference was two days of presentations by some wonderful speakers on a wide variety of topics, from mental health by a former football (soccer for us Americans) player to the work and evolution of a Scottish portrait artist. We got to join the Rotarians for a nice dinner and some dancing, including my first attempt at some traditional Scottish dancing. It was overall a good evening!

the rotary scholars at the ball; some banners displayed at the conference; the scholars highlight in the conference handbook (I'll try not to be offended that they said I was from OK); my nametag for the conference

I continue to be challenged in the best way in my classes – the more I learn, the more I’m desperate to know! It is such a blessing to have an opportunity to continue my education and have access to so much knowledge. I do not take this for granted and am humbled everyday that I have this privilege.

So far, I’ve turned in one written assignment and completed two group presentations. My final essays are beginning to loom larger and larger and I may not be able to wish them away much longer!

I began working at a hotel in October. It’s a glamourous job where I deliver tea and coffee to the breakfast patrons and then clean their tables after they leave! But, actually, it’s a good job working with some fun people so I can’t complain…some days, I even get to steal some leftovers and, for a starving student, that is truly thrilling.

a couple of musicians on Princes street; me in my oh-so snazzy work uniform; welcome sign at COP26's green zone; me waiting for my bus like the true ~city dweller~ I am; a view from the train window

At this point, I’m sure you’ve seen a headline somewhere about COP26 – the UN’s conference on Climate Change. As someone who gets absolutely jazzed about the environment and sustainability, it’s been an exciting time to be in Scotland. I got to attend some panels in the green zone (the portion open to the public). One session was Preserving the Planet – Women in Agriculture, and the other was Are Religious Leaders Rising to the Climate Challenge (hint: they’re not). The first session featured a multigenerational panel of women from the global south who are actively creating change to tackle the climate crisis, while the second session featured leaders from across religions who are promoting dialogues about climate change and being part of the solution in their communities. I’m not delusional – I don’t think COP is going to magically address the world’s issues and stop climate change, but it certainly was encouraging to see so many passionate people committed to honoring the earth and the people on it. In the midst of a chaotic world, it's important to find the glimmers of hope, don’t you think?

I’ve continued to explore Scotland – from visiting Glasgow, to hiking in the Pentlands, and seeing more of Edinburgh’s charming neighborhoods. I also made my first attempt at preparing a truly British dish – Yorkshire pudding and, I don’t mean to brag, but…I think the queen would be proud, ha.

exploring the Pentland Hills; had the best weekend with my old pal Samantha; McEwan Hall on campus; blowing out the candle on my birthday flan courtesy of my flat mate; a view of Arthur's Seat - on of the most popular hikes in the city; pulling my Yorkshire puddings out of the oven

The end of October also marked the 24th year of me on this planet! I’m so close to a quarter-life crisis it’s crazy. Did that last sentence make all you real adults roll your eyes? I know, I know, I’m so young and have so much time but when it moves so quickly a girl can’t help but panic. Anyways, I had a lovely day celebrating with friends here and felt all the love from my people across the pond!

Thank you for all the love and support,

Nat