The Start of a Journey

September 28, 2010

University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

I had the fortunate opportunity to sit in the window seat of KLM’s 737 jet as I was continuing my journey from Amsterdam to Aberdeen, Scotland. It was a dreary day, fog so thick I couldn’t even see the wing of our plane. Even when the landing gear came out,there was still no sight of land. Ever since I was young I have had a strong urge to visit either Ireland or Scotland. I was drawn by the images and videos of rolling hills with sheep spotted along the horizon, cobble stone houses and fences, rough English accents, and a culture so rich it could make Bill Gates envious (ok, maybe not that rich). Finally, several hundred feet before we are about to touch down the clouds broke loose and there it was, not disappointing for a second. The very first thing that I saw was a rolling hill, greener than anything I have ever seen, with sheep scattered throughout, backing up to a old house made out of stone with a stone fence around it. I smiled.

Of course nothing is perfect, especially with my luck while traveling. I packed three bags for the three months I would be here, and wouldn’t you know it not one of them made it on my flight. For some reason it really didn’t bother me, I think I was still in the land of Euphoria and I don’t think I will be leaving anytime soon. I am still waiting on those bags.

I am a senior studying Marketing at Anderson University, but in one of my final semesters I decided to study abroad here at the University of Aberdeen. I looked into several schools in the United Kingdom, the second option being Oxford, but thanks to a good friend of mine, Ty Benbow, I chose Aberdeen. Ty studied here while he was attending Wabash College several years back. Every chance he got he would share about his amazing experience at Aberdeen. I was sold, and now I see why.

The campus itself has totally blown my expectations out of the water. Minus the cars and laptops, you literally feel like you have went back in time hundreds of years as you walk down the stone paved streets and narrow sidewalks. As your walking down the main strip of campus, High Street, you literally feel like you are in some old English film heading into the bustling town, with the historic Scottish culture embracing you the whole way. I could say it feels like I am going to Hogwarts, which is true, but I am not a fan of Harry Potter, so I am sorry for even referencing it. As I walk back to my dorm room which is right on campus, I have to pass through my entrance which is two identical castle towers that are 40 feet high with an old hinged gate connecting the two. Yeah, that’s pretty cool. I already know I’m not going to want to leave.