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Scotland Week 8

  • Writer: Sarah Garfield
    Sarah Garfield
  • Apr 19
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 22

Research Reflection: 


Getting to know my mentor this summer was truly once in a lifetime. This week, I wrapped up the manuscript and the discussion section and sent it over for edits. I let her out into the world, which is somehow scarier than traveling to an entire country alone. While my time comes to a close, Dr. Mahoney and I will continue to work together during the Fall Semester to hopefully submit this work to a journal. In this way, I can keep a little piece of Scotland with me. 



Song of the Week: The Back Seat of My Car - Paul & Linda McCartney


Oh oh, we believe that we can't be wrong


Cultural Reflection:


As the final week of my time in Edinburgh ended, my familiar groove and final routine were rudely interrupted by the knowledge that I was leaving in a week. I reflected on my Week One blog on my fear of the ‘overabundance of time,’ and instead, my lack of time slowly crept in. Fringe shows. Comedy. Alpine Coaster. Scottish Ceilidh (a traditional dance). Climbing Arthur’s Seat. Palace of Holyroodhouse. Live music. Portrait Gallery. Tears. Dinner. More shows. The structure of my writing is purposeful - it reflects how quickly this week went by and the lack of control in stopping it. Tearful goodbyes with my flatmates and Scottish friends (whom I will hopefully be visiting so soon). Somehow getting into Scrapbooking?? Can’t explain that one. As I write this from the airport, I find it difficult to find the words to describe my time in Scotland this summer. Instead, here is a list of observations and life lessons that I will cherish for each week I was there: 


  1. The price of community is inconvenience - showing up means more than anything. Even when you have no phone, just show up with the iPad.  

  2. The word ‘wee’ can really be a filler for any context. 

  3. Kindness is found in every corner of the world.

  4. Americans LOVE to compliment people’s outfits on the street (I would know because it’s me), and a lot of Scottish people find it a little jarring. I will still continue to do it.  

  5. Being able to enjoy your own company is one of the most valuable skills you can learn.

  6. I can do hard things, like running a latent class analysis. I still can’t tell you what that is.

  7. Goodbyes are harder when you know all you need is more time #Hamilton. 

  8. The artist Donovan truly encompasses the whimsical and magical nature of Scotland. He came up at least 10 times in my summer playlist.




 
 
 

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