Scotland Week 3

Research Reflection:

This was another slow week for my actual project, as my mentor invited me to volunteer at the Division of Forensic Psychology Annual Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. This conference was more UK-based rather than international, but it was still such a wonderful experience. I was also able to meet my mentor’s graduate students and talk with them about their research journeys and their interest fields. As I start applying for graduate school, I know that I have a support system behind me during this process. My mentor, Dr. Mahoney, presented a symposium on the Forensic Practice in Scotland, highlighting the stark differences between the US and Scottish carceral systems. One major difference is a third verdict called “not proven,” which is a ‘middle-ground’ decision that serves as an acquittal when a prosecution has failed to provide enough evidence for a decision. I gained an international perspective on how the justice system functions, both within the carceral space and governmental reform.

The Kelpies in Falkirk, Scotland

Somewhere in the Highlands

Portree

My man!!!!

Eilean Donan Castle

Old Man of Storr

Haggis & Other Scottish Dishes

Shakespeare in the Park

Goodbyes :(

Conference!!

Song of the Week: Eighteen is over the Hill by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band 

The sunshine and the open road

Ahead of me

Cultural Reflection:

This was a quick turnaround week and was surprisingly full of goodbyes (even on the third week). I arrived back in Edinburgh on Sunday night and had less than 24 hours at home before heading over to Glasgow for the second conference that week. I FILLED that Monday with seeing friends and building connections I made in my first week. Two especially bittersweet goodbyes were my two French friends Elena and Anna, as they were going back home. My flatmates and I went to our favorite Nepalese restaurant, the Khukuri, before hopping on the train that night for Glasgow. I felt like I was waving my husband goodbye as he went into battle, traveling into the unknown and leaving my French flatmates behind. I will cherish the memories we shared cooking each other dinner, camping, and being confused about that one musical we were late to. 

A common theme throughout my time in Scotland is community and connection - creating a new foundation in Edinburgh and building off the ones back at UF. In Glasgow, I stayed with my friend Carly, who was on another study abroad program, and we explored Glasgow together. This includes Kelvingrove Art Gallery, some FIRE Indian food (#thanksuberdriver), Shakespeare in the Park, and bonding with the other Glasgow study abroad students. After a week of talking and networking, Carly and I booked a tour around the Isle of Skye, stopping at castles (Eilean Donan and Dunvegan) along the way. Being born and raised in Florida, the highest elevation is found on the small hills in Tallahassee. So, being on the Isle of Skye was breathtaking. The rolling hills and open space mirrored the sublime landscape of an oil painting. Not to sound cliché, but I felt an immense sense of peace while counting the thousands of sheep on the Isle and outlining the silhouettes of the mountains.