Home Institution: Clemson University, South Carolina
What's in a Name? Many people go through life with a variety of different nicknames. As for me, I have several, but one in particular that will always remain with me, Ginger Dave. Last year was my first year at university in Clemson, South Carolina, and when I left home, I never imagined meeting people who would open my eyes to a new world and in turn, direct me toward Scotland for my second year of studies. My first introduction to Scotland was made through three Scottish guys on exchange from Strathclyde. After talking to me for about five minutes, they dubbed me Ginger Dave -- Ginger because of my hair and Dave, well, we still haven't figured out that one! This name stuck with me throughout the year, and not only did my new Scottish friends call me this, some new American friends did as well. Needless to say, I became very good friends with these guys, whose belief that there is more to life, more to see and more to do, besides in little Clemson, South Carolina, soon began to rub off on me.
From the day I first realized that I wanted to go to Scotland, I have had all the excitement of a little kid on Christmas morning. The three Scots were very helpful by assisting me with accommodations and flight times and planning for the year ahead; however, no one could prepare me for the experiences faced during my first three weeks upon arrival -- the vast cultural differences of which I was clueless. Travelling with an opened mind, because nothing is like experiencing something for the first time, I immediately found this country enchanting. During one of my first days here I visited Loch Lomand, which is absolutely breathtaking, I tried to describe the view to friends back home, but it is just beyond words. I have discovered that Glasgow is, in itself, a mini melting pot of a variety of different cultures. Why I share my university flat with two Scottish girls, a Spanish girl, and a French girl, which makes for quite a fun night on the town! And the best times together are when we all just sit around talking, comparing each other's culture; but truth be told, although we're from different countries, girls are girls!
Much to my surprise, being an American in a foreign country is somewhat more difficult than I expected, for I suppose I simply assumed that people here would be more accepting because of the historically Western influence our nations share. The international crowd is easily visible on campus, and being an international myself, I enjoy hanging out with them as well as with native Scots. On the other hand, at times being an American is frustrating because I feel like I must constantly defend my country. However, when allowed to explain my point of view, not necessarily that of my government's, conversation usually proceeds with mutual respect and understanding, which is worth putting up with some prejudicial remarks regarding my citizenship. Likewise, I never expected so many of the small, every day things to be so different. I doubt that I will ever get used to the passenger side of a car being on the left instead of the right, or ordering chips and receiving French fries, and, well, haggis is just in a category all of its own! All of this, to me, makes for an incredible experience: beautiful landscapes, diverse people and even the damp, chilly weather.
I am only nineteen years old but have been privileged to travel and see more than most people will ever see in a lifetime. Learning the most by hands-on experience, it was not enough to simply read about Scotland, I needed to come here, to be a part of day to day life to truly appreciate this magnificent country and its wonderful people. So the answer to the question, "Am I happy with my decision to leave the familiar and move out of my comfort zone for a while?" is naturally, "Of course I am!" Still very close to the guys who originally inspired me to broaden my horizons, I take the daily walk over to their flat to enjoy tea and milk, a new favorite beverage of mine. Not a day passes without learning so much more about others and about myself, and I am convinced that by the time I leave Scotland, I will be a better person than when I arrived. Clearly, I strongly encourage others from Great Britain and the USA to experience for themselves how all changes, by going on exchange, enrich our lives, for I once read that the only thing we have in common is the language, and at times I marvel and wonder about even that!