The short answer is, I'm moving to Scotland to attend the University of St. Andrews. (Not "college", apparently.) The more in-depth one is that my life here is ending whether I want it to or not. Most of my friends are leaving the city, if not the state, and as much as I will miss my high school peers and life, it simply doesn't exist any longer.
Still. Why Scotland? If there's any question I've been asked more this summer than "When are you leaving?" it's "Why in the world are you going to school that's a thirteen hour plane ride away?" Honestly, my memories of the time when I actually made the decision in April are hazy, as a result of the omnipresent stress I was enduring in the face of making such a life-altering decision - but I've been able to come up with a few decent reasons that I chose this path.
1. Adventure. I want it, and always have. The idea of travel is intoxicating for me, and being in such close proximity to many of the European countries I want to visit is an incredible thought. Plus, I'm essentially studying abroad for four years, which is pretty cool.
2. Scotland. No seriously, SCOTLAND. A few things you should know about me are that I love the cold, clouds, hiking, tea, and traditions. These are, as far as I can tell from the multiple Scottish history books I have recently read, the main components of the country. I've been in love with the UK since I was young, and my brief visits to the area have only confirmed my admiration.
Coastline on the edge of the St. Andrews Campus
3. School. Even without it's stunning location, St. Andrews is a fantastic educational facility, and much less expensive than private schools in the United States. I plan on double majoring in English and Modern History, both of which programs have impressive reputations. The institution is over six hundred years old and well-known and respected throughout the world, which I know will be important when I'm a poor grad student looking for a career.
Over the next four years, I hope to be able to share my experience as an American in a Scottish university (not as uncommon as you would think), as an adventurer in a beautifully mystical country, and a young sort-of grown-up trying to figure out how to become a full-fledged adult.
