To My Parents

                     To My Parents

  At this point in my life, I am considered a young adult. Yes, sometimes I don’t completely act like it, but it’s part of life, right? As I am growing up, each day, I realize how much you both have done for me. I couldn’t be more thankful.

  From countless sport activities, clubs, work, and you both pushing me academically I have learned to build dreams and chase them. One of my dreams, is why I am leaving today. Although, I had this opportunity in high school, I am now a young adult, more mature, and expecting more from this trip academically and with personal growth.

  In life, we encounter tough, uncomfortable, and many unfamiliar situations. By putting myself in a study abroad program I am able to learn tactful decision making and communication skills. The world I live in isn’t just based on one nationality. We are the ‘melting pot.’ As a prospective student in the medical field - education isn’t just about the books, studying, and the lectures. But, it’s about collaborating with diverse people on a variety of topics. You have to be willing to connect with everyone - no matter their situation.

  I also feel that I have come to a point in my college career where I am in the same old daily routine and frankly, it needed to be broken. My comfortable lifestyle had settled in between work, school, friends, and volunteering, but I knew I wanted to experience something new. That is what college is all about, right? Discovering, adapting, making friends, being culturally aware.

  Although, I know I will be missing family vacations and our cherished time together - I know this experience will enrich my lifestyle and view on the world. There are no words to describe how much this experience means to me.

Studying abroad will teach me life lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom.
My resume will stand out when applying for jobs.
Living abroad gives me the opportunity to travel and explore.
I will have to adapt to various languages during my travels.
I will be able to visit my host family in the Czech Republic.
Make life-long friendships.
We’re a global community, and understanding diverse cultures is critical to a working society.

  It’s tough to make a whole list because it would be never-ending!

  I just wanted to say Thank You for allowing me to have this opportunity.
  I will love you forever and always.

  Love,
    Anna

  P.S.
  I created a blog that can be found on this website: aclehman7@blogspot.com
  I will be uploading pictures to Facebook when time allows.
  This is my address.

  Anna Lehman
  Wisconsin In Scotland Program
  Dalkeith House
  Dalkeith, Midlothian
  EH22 2NA Scotland

  If an emergency arises this is the number to the Dalkeith House Office:
  011-44-131-663-5632

  We can work out a time to Skype anytime you’d like!

People may come & go, but you always start and end with a family.

Surreal Moments

  It doesn't quite seem that in six awfully short days I will heading to Scotland. Where has the time gone? Can't believe it's coming this quickly. My work schedule is full, last volunteer shift at the hospital is complete until June and running countless errands filling up my daily schedule. I will soon sink into a new routine next week, with different students, professors, and Scottish folk. I am up most excited to visit local pubs, explore Edinburgh, Dalkeith, and my new home. I am also excited to look into booking trips to desinations I would not have considered I would be back this soon after my last adventure my junior year of high school. I want to make the most of studying abroad and not let fear or nerves take away from any opportunity. I wish I could pack all of my friends, dog, and family, but June isn't that far away and with technology I can keep in touch!

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
― Henry Miller



 

Never Ending List

  How do you pack a 50 lb bag for three seasons and for four and a half months? Very strategically. I have packed, repacked, and then taken it all out again just to find a more room to roll and pack clothing ... again.

  Here are a few ideas that I came up with to aide in this process.

  1. Begin Packing Early
  I started packing basically from the day I found out four months ago. I felt by making a list early on and then displaying everything I wanted to bring - I'd eventually find things to leave behind. And I did. I have created a list of essential tops, tees, cardigans, pants, etc. Turning one outfit into five by rearranging clothing items. Not only for clothing, but I created a master list of toiletries and items I knew I could not get in Scotland.
  2. The List
  I have created probably ten lists. You should definitely carry a pen and notebook with you because at odd times during the day or evening, you're going to think of something you probably don't want to forget.
  3. Rules & Regulation
  Make sure you know how much your particular airline will allow you to bring. I am flying Delta. I am allowed one 50 lb bag, a carry on bag, and a personal item (purse). If my case weighs more than 50 lb's I will be charged an additional 50 dollars. At this point - I am saving every dollar I can. So, weigh your suitcase often.
  4. Ship Ahead
  Thankfully, I am allowed to send two medium sized boxed over to Scotland prior to my departure. WITC is paying for my 'books' and what ever else fits within those boxes. Am I taking advantage of this, YES! I am sending shampoo, conditioner, heavy shoes, coat, and items that will not weigh down my suitcase at the airport. Take advantage if you have these types of resources. I also checked with our Postal Service here in Rice Lake. We can send the biggest flat rate box, for any amount of weight for only 35 dollars. Not bad. I am shipping ahead of things that will be used up before my departure so I don't have to worry about shipping them to the USA.
  5. Don't Over Pack
  The most difficult task for me is not over packing. I am trying to pack for 4 1/4 months and three season changes. I have been thinking that while I am abroad, I will be making several purchases to bring back. So, I know I want room for new clothing, antiques, and souvenirs. So pack less and you can always purchase items along the way.

  I am just two weeks away and I am still packing and repacking. I am trying to get the most for my limited amount of room and not trying to stress too much about it!

The Countdown Begins

  Where does the time go?! Just a month ago I was keeping a big secret, now I have 26 days until my departure. Yes, I said departure. I have taken advantage of an opportunity again and decided to study abroad in Scotland. I have had the blessing of traveling abroad before, but this time I am more mature, wiser, and looking to take advantage of what this trip offers. 

  Why Scotland? Why not? Not only is this program affordable, but I get to study and travel while I am there. The WI in Scotland program is not going to tie me down from taking advantage of long weekend get-a-ways to explore the history and culture of foreign countries. This also allows me to finish a minor in communications and almost completely finish my generals and then some.

  What am I looking forward to the most? Obviously I am excited to travel. Who wouldn't be. I am also excited to be able to put myself into someone's culture and learn about their daily lifestyle and how it's different from living in Wisconsin, let alone the United States. I am excited to live in the Dalkeith Palace and share this experience with the other students I will be living with. And of course, the pubs!

  Cheers to a New Year and New Experiences.

Dalkeith Palace

my future home sweet home