If you recognize a lot about me, you’ll know that I’ve lengthy held a fascination with St Andrews, Scotland, and feature been determined to consult with since 2020 all through my freshman yr of highschool. I’m absolutely conscious that this can be a ordinary fixation however right here me out. I used to be bit by way of the go back and forth trojan horse at an overly early age. Since then, I’ve been making an attempt to determine how you can transfer in a foreign country. Learning in a foreign country is step one in that function.
Right here’s the place it will get fascinating. When Covid close the sector down, the sector moved on-line. At this level, I had already been researching St Andrews College and taking into consideration going in a foreign country for my undergraduate level. Particularly, I used to be thinking about St Andrews’ Comparative Literature level. Naturally, I signed up for more than one knowledge periods, observing livestreams from my lounge.
In the end, I determined that 17 was once a little too younger to transport internationally however that didn’t imply I forgot about St Andrews. Now not within the slightest. Once I booked my travel to Edinburgh, I made it transparent that I might do the entirety I may to visit St Andrews. In the end, when else would I be nearer or ready to simply hop on a teach and move?
I did my analysis and booked my teach tickets simply earlier than mattress from the relaxation of my hostel. Actually, I had no concept what I used to be doing. The following morning, I were given breakfast, saved my bag, and made my method around the boulevard to Waverly Station. My teach departed at 9:10 from platform 19. To be fairly fair, I used to be scared to take public transportation on my own (one thing I have a tendency to steer clear of) however I used to be additionally excited to have a solo go back and forth second.
Unsurprisingly, I fell in love with teach go back and forth. The perspectives out my window have been surprising and it was once truthfully really easy. I crossed over the Firth of Forth, via beach cities, previous farmland… Critically, it was once wonderful. Arriving at Leuchars Station, I took the bus into St Andrews and was once blown away.
St Andrews and its college are combined into every different, certain by way of cobblestone streets and confined by way of the ocean. Wind whipped throughout the constructions, flinging sand and spray throughout the air. Solar beamed down and clouds floated within the semblance of sheep. I popped out and in of a lot of bookstores, some chains like Waterstones however maximum unbiased stores with towering cabinets and library ladders.
Making my method towards the cathedral ruins, I discovered myself in a graveyard. Vintage Anna, I do know. Nonetheless, it was once stunning, names and dates filling in each and every house to be had on lots of the stones. Many of the graves have been outdated, some marking the fallen of the International Wars. One marker was once commemorative, honoring a circle of relatives member buried at Ypres. Some have been the graves of kids, elderly 3 or 4. The span was once exceptional, each hanging and sobering.
From there, I made my method right down to the primary of 3 seashores. As soon as once more, I dipped my arms within the water, feeling the chilly salt because it rushed over the sand, the stones and shells marking the shore. Close to probably the most benches overlooking the seaside, I noticed a package of wilted tulips tied at the side of string. They seemed to be positioned gently however I didn’t know why and I didn’t know what it intended.
I climbed again up the hill and made my approach to the second one seaside, this one underneath the fort. It’s a small stretch of sand, however a well-liked one. Folks accrued there to picnic and solar themselves at the rocks. The wind was once obviously one thing to be omitted on a sunny day.
Sooner or later, I moved on and persisted exploring, strolling up and down cobblestone paths and taking a look on the constructions round me. I’m satisfied that they’ve noticed improbable quantities of historical past and I want I knew their tales, alternatively mundane they is also.
Popping into the Wardlaw Museum, I wandered the small choice of shows, viewing the papal bull that granted St Andrews college standing in 1413 (making St Andrews College Scotland’s first) and the Peter Pan statue talented by way of J. M. Barrie who was once the Rector of St Andrews College from 1919 to 1922. In addition they had an showcase at the College traditions and I used to be shocked to look what number of of them I remembered from 4 years early.
Leaving the museum, I persisted exploring, strolling up and down streets and truthfully simply feeling at house. I attempted to visit any other museum however it was once closed on Sundays. I additionally attempted to visit the Botanic Gardens however they have been closed because of the prime winds. Nonetheless, strolling to those places allowed me to discover town even additional so it wasn’t a complete loss. Plus, the extra I walked, the extra I glimpsed scholars and, sure, they do if truth be told stroll round of their crimson undergraduate gowns. (Glance it up; it’s incredible).
I finished my day by way of popping into the College bookstall and purchasing a sweatshirt and t-shirt combo pack. It was once a little of a splurge, however, for 4 years of dreaming, it was once value it to me. I took my bag and a few crisps and made my approach to West Sands Seashore, preventing the wind each and every step of the way in which. You suppose Lake Michigan winds are dangerous? Take a look at the coast of Scotland.
However significantly, complete solar, sand dunes, pristine seashores, and a cobblestone the town full of finding out and bookstores made for my dream day. At some point, I’m positive I will be able to go back to St Andrews. Possibly it is going to be as a scholar. Who is aware of? However that’s all one day, a dream that can take 4 extra years.
Right here’s my recommendation: don’t let anything else prevent you from embracing your ‘pronouncing sure technology.’ Sure, it’s horrifying to step outdoor your convenience zone however for those who keep chances are you’ll by no means develop. Make your desires a fact fairly than a delusion. Cross forth and reside your existence to the fullest!
“Be robust and brave. Don’t be fearful, and don’t be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you anyplace you move.” Joshua 1:9.
