Third Year Reflections

It’s the end of the academic year, which means that it’s time for a look back on everything that has happened in these 9 months. Without a doubt, this has been the most academically challenging year thus far. The amount of clinical content covered is such a huge jump from last year and so is what is expected of us during placements. It was so exhausting trying to cope with the 2 day a week placements and the heavy workload, especially in the Spring term. I don’t know how we made it through, with the assignments that could make or break our module grades, the emotionally draining exams and the increased amount of placement days, but we did. I’m proud of how far we have come, but I definitely do not want to go through that again. Everyone says that fourth year is much better than third year, so let’s hope that that’s true.

Thankfully, it’s not all bad, because through the tough times, friendships have strengthened. The support system we have amongst the girls has been integral in keeping all of us sane, and I am incredibly grateful for them. Even with mounting academic pressures, particularly for the finalists, we’ve always been there for each other, encouraging one another to continue plodding on and reminding one another that there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, it also feels bittersweet, because 3 of the 6 of us are graduating this year. It was amazing that we could attend all three graduations but at the same time, it won’t be the same when half of us are not here the next academic year. We have lived together for so long that it will seem weird having less people around- I don’t know if I’ll appreciate the quietness, or if I’ll miss hearing the constant chatter in the background. I’m so proud of the three that have graduated and it’s so exciting to see them embarking on the next phase of their lives, but I’m really bummed that we can’t be in the same place any longer. It’s not that bad for the Singaporeans, because it’s much easier to arrange a meetup back home, but I don’t know when we’ll see Betsy again. I suppose we just have to get used to the fact that as we all transition into the adult working life, you can’t see your friends that much, especially those that don’t live in the same country as you do.

I am also very thankful for my friends back home, whom I only get to see once or twice each year. These people have stuck by, even though we often don’t have the luxury of talking to each other regularly. Our low maintenance friendship is something that I truly appreciate :’)

This year is also the year that I’m stepping down from all of my non-academic commitments. After 2-3 years of slogging it out in various society committees, I am finally giving myself a break. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t be who I am today without those opportunities to develop my interpersonal and leadership skills. I have learnt so much from all the outstanding individuals around me and I have definitely benefited from their advice and the good examples they have set, but life is a marathon, not a 100m sprint. As much as I have enjoyed carrying out my responsibilities in each role, I think it’s time for me to rest and recharge, before the rat race begins when I officially join the workforce after graduation.

It’s been a good run, but it’s time to head home. Here’s to the last summer of my student life!

Roadtripping in Scotland

Although I’ve been studying overseas for three years already, I think this is my first proper road trip, which is pretty exciting! It’s fun exploring individual cities and doing little day trips via public transport, but the experience with a car is entirely different and very refreshing. I’ve particularly enjoyed the countryside views during the longer drives and the wind blowing in my face- it’s easy for me to say as I’m not the one driving, so maybe I’ll change my mind if/when I get my license. Since I’ve got separate blog posts for the larger cities, I thought that I’d consolidate the smaller stops we made here:

[St Andrews]

We had a look round the ruins of St Andrews Chapel and St Andrews Castle, which was much more dilapidated than I had expected. Most of the main structures had disappeared and there were markers on the ground indicating what was meant to be there before.

St Andrews Cathedral

However, I did enjoy the walk by the coast/the harbour, particularly with the sea breeze and sea gulls squawking in the background. Many people were also walking their dogs in the area, and I think we said hello to almost all of them (and their owners of course).

We also saw many docked boats/ships nearby, with some fishermen hard at work. There was one bit where there were rows after rows of crab traps lined up, which I thought was quite an interesting sight!

[Arbroath]

We probably stayed here for less than 30 minutes, but we met a few friendly locals while wandering around the area. There was a church in the centre, a small museum and a stream running through that had really clear water.

[Aberdeen]

We spent one night in this city, whose high street felt like a quieter version of London’s. The few hours spent in the city center was used to find Betsy’s graduation outfit and then dinner at TGIF.

[Petershead]

This is one of the few fishing ports that we visited, but it had the most seagulls I’ve ever seen in one place. I thought Brighton was bad, but this was 10 times worse- there would be a giant flock of them flying above you at any one time and you could see parked card being covered in bird droppings.

[Fraserburgh]

Out of all the small towns that we’ve been to, I feel like this is one of my two favourites. The coastal drives have provided amazing views of Scotland’s shoreline, but the waters here seemed extra beautiful. I already love the sea, but there was something about the salty sea breeze and sense of serenity here that I really liked. I felt like I could spend hours standing there, watching the sapphire blue waves crash onto the rocks.

On the way here, we also stopped by a rather quiet beach, with lighter coloured waters. There was a group of children filming a dance video while we were there, and it reminded me so much of the days I spent in the studio when I was a kid.

[Gardenstown]

This town is my other favourite, because like Fraserburgh, it has beautiful waters. I can’t choose one over the other as they each have their own merits- while I appreciate the vastness of the sea views in Fraserburgh, the hills surrounding the small cove in Gardenstown lends it a certain charm as well.

[Whisky Distilleries]

We visited 2 whisky distilleries- The Macallan Estate and Glenfiddich Distillery. The former appeared to be more posh than the latter, as reflected in their architecture and their prices. We didn’t try any whisky there, but Betsy’s parents did buy a few bottles.

The Macallan Estate had a section that had the layout of a museum, showcasing its history, the different collections that it had produced and significant events associated with their brand. There was also a motion/pressure sensor operated camera, which we could use to check out the bottles displayed across the entire wall, from floor to ceiling.

In the Glenfiddich one, there was also the option to make your own whisky (well more like bottle your own whisky), so it was interesting to watch other people do it.