This winter break I decided to take advantage of my time off by studying abroad in Scotland. I applied for this program because studying abroad had always been something I was extremely interested in doing, and the program seemed to be the perfect fit for me.
Through the earlier parts of school and soccer this fall, I didn't think a study abroad trip would be possible anytime in my near future because of my student-athlete schedule. When I received an email from the communications study department that Towson had a mini-mester program during winter break in the beautiful country of Scotland, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. This program not only worked around my soccer responsibilities, but also provided the chance to earn class credit towards my major, communications studies.
I applied for the program in October, got in, and so far, it has been an amazing trip after only four full days of being in Scotland.
The class I am taking while I am here has discussed topics such as identity, expression, and social action. We have learned a lot about the history of Scotland and have been lucky enough to get a better understanding of why Scottish people feel so passionate towards their political conflicts involving the Scottish referendum and Brexit. Learning more about Scotland has deepened my sympathy and interest in what goes on in other countries outside of the United States. Which is EXACTLY why I wanted to have this experience.
As a communications major, this is exactly what I am interested in. My goal is to further understand other cultures and broaden my overall perspective of the world. Hopefully in doing so, I can also begin to gear towards a more direct career path, and discover how I can use my knowledge from these experiences to impact those around me.
Not only do I feel like, so far, I have been achieving that, but I am also having a BLAST. Scotland is an amazing country, and to those who do not already have it on their bucket list, add it now! I have visited many historic landmarks such as Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, The Royal Botanical Gardens/Glass houses, a literary pub tour, St. Giles Castle, multiple locations connected to J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter Series, and a tour of Scotland's Parliament. I am staying at Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel in the center of Edinburgh, Scotland with a group of seven other Towson University students. Our group of eight would not have met if it weren't for this trip. I am glad I have met some new people from Towson who all have different backgrounds.
It would genuinely be hard for me to share what my favorite part of this trip has been so far. There have been so many incredible things I have seen in such a short period of time. In addition to this educational and fun experience, I have also been given the opportunity to train with Spartans FC, a Scottish women's professional team. Head coach of Spartans FC, Paul Greig, has graciously welcomed me to attend all training sessions I am available for while I am in Edinburgh. Towson assistant coach Win Puffer helped connect me to this team and I could not be more thankful. I had my first practice with the team on Jan. 8 and it was great. The Spartans are a talented group of women and the academy has a very welcoming coaching staff. I am so glad I have the chance to play high-level soccer and follow through with some off-season training in the midst of a study abroad trip.
I am very excited (and a bit tired) after these first couple days, but I look forward to continuing to embrace every day I am spending in this fascinating country.
Towson Women's Soccer
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