Broadening Her Horizons

 

Ever since I was a wee bairn, I have yearned to broaden my horizons through travel. Six weeks ago, I fulfilled my aspirations as I ventured across the pond to Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland. After a day and a half of travel, I arrived and was immediately awestruck by the breathtaking views of the rolling hills with farm houses nestled between them. Though I could barely keep my eyes open from exhaustion, I was extremely keen to embark on this adventure.

 

Settling into this co-ed traditional boarding/day school of 600 students was understandably difficult. Though through the challenges the skirl of the pip band practicing during Prep, the roaring of the jets from the local RAF base, using Google UK as a browser, or even studying a 5-pound note has put a smile on my face. Gordonstoun’s approach to education is more formal than Lakefield’s. When I first arrived I was not in the habit of addressing my teachers as “sir” and “miss” and was terrified that I was constantly offending everyone. As the uniform code is strongly enforced, in each classroom there is a tin of baked beans to measure skirt lengths. The revelation that not that all my teachers were enjoying the same snack took me some time. Unlike at Lakefield, during our seven-day a week chapel we light candles and sing from hymnal books. After finishing lessons, I partake in a variety of activities. Every Tuesday, I travel fifteen minutes to the frigid Northern sea where I sail. Every Wednesday, I enjoy in a game of Rounders. Every Thursday, I have the opportunity to continue to work on my debating and public speaking skills. As the Duke of Edinburgh Award was founded at Gordonstoun, I have had the opportunity to go many outdoor excursions. Just a month ago, I camped on the beach and hiked along the coast with a group of girls from my boarding house. Thanks to the exchange coordinator Mr. Ince, I was able explore the environmentally conscious communal living complex Findhorn Foundation. During our recent break, I explored the narrow streets, an antique bookshop, and a castle in Inverness. I felt as if I had returned to my home in a particular Lewis Carol novel. 

 

Through my conquests, I have learned more about myself.  Through the challenges of transitioning to a new school, I have proven to myself that I can overcome the obstacles that I am faced with. Through new relationships, I have taken a different perspective on life. Consequently, I would recommend this opportunity to any student. Exchange allows you to experience the culture of a different school, which allows you to grow as a pupil and individual. 

 

I am grateful to my teachers, matron, Head Mistress, Assistant Head Mistress, Mr. Bird and Mr. Ince for supporting me during this extraordinary exchange. 

 

Bye for noo! 

 

 

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