Arcadia Scotland

Jessica Watson, an Arcadia University student studying at the University of Aberdeen, is this semester's recipient of the University of Aberdeen Scholarship for students on a study abroad program through Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies. She has maintained a personal blog recounting her experiences and thoughts throughout the semester. Jessica has very kindly decided to share a post with us each week until the end of the semester. This week's stop... the dramatic scenes and ruins of Scotland's North East coast.

As I climbed to the top of this immaculate castle I was met by this registry.  I couldn't bring myself to simply sign my name on this worn and dated catalogue.  Instead, I penned this quote: “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” The aforementioned phrase is from one of my favorite poets Edgar Allan Poe. In this quote I find beauty, adventure, and imagination the expanse of which I only thought to be present in the deepest crevices of my mind. I could not possibly think of another way to sign this paper that captured my truest of feelings. These words echoed in my thoughts and on the faded blue lines of this document and will remain until the book is filled with other’s names and wishes and is placed on the shelf with older memories.

“The Stonehaven architect John Ellis designed the World War I and II Memorial that proudly stands on Black Hill, Stonehaven.” A true testament to the men who fought in World War I and World War II. They will never be forgotten.

Some may be exceptionally cautious about straying from a prescribed path, but I look at is an opportunity for adventure. As I sat upon this cliff with the stinging Scotland crisp air spanning hundreds of meters below my gaze I had an epiphany. Not a life altering magical moment that you only see in movies, but a real minuscule moment of self awareness. Gazing out to the open polar sea I contemplated my reason for being here- for higher education, a chance to experience the world, meet new faces, and discover who I am as an individual. In this moment I realized the efforts of everyone that has made such a beautiful vision possible. I contemplated my family and friends who have aided me in this pursuit. I thought about the lives of the people who once inhabited this now mass of rubble and overturned stones. Most importantly, however, I pondered the person I am becoming. I have changed significantly on this journey and I could not be more thankful. And even though I am now eating more healthy and exercising more regularly- becoming independent and truly realizing who I am is the greatest gift of studying abroad. So, sitting on this large rock on a cold day in the northern part of Scotland I finally understood that change is necessary and beautiful and even though the castle and its surroundings were damaged and worn- they were beautiful and allowed for a change that creates so many smiles on the faces of the bundled up tourists. For me, my smile was painted on my lips for more reasons than that one and I could not be happier.

Overlooking the dining room was a window the height of which surpassed my own. If I was eating in this area I would be far more interested in the natural phenomena going on just beneath my feet than the meat and potatoes on my china plate, wouldn't you?

Living dangerously has taught me two things:

1. People don’t always understand your logic and question your sanity almost instantly.
2. If you don’t enter the race you can never win.

As I climbed onto this window which stood hundreds of meters in the air I received some rather confused looks by other tourists- obviously concerned with my well being- whether mental or physical. While I was really in no danger (due to the fact that I stood a foot away from the edge of the structure) people were still very confused. I was confused just as much by them. I couldn't quite understand why the need for higher knowledge and pursuit of adventure scared these people. If you don’t enter the race you can never hope to win. The view and majesty that followed this act were far too entrancing to be passed up. The sight of the finish line was incredible.  

Dunnottar Castle in all of its glory is the 16th century architectural relic of both tourists and residents alike. On my way to this glorious structure I came across an elderly couple who claimed to have taken a stroll there this morning as if it were nothing more than a walk through the park.

If you would like to read Jessica's post in its entirety as well as see some of her previous adventures, you can visit her blog.