With the publication of this blog post, the second year of my degree comes to an end (I do still have exams but you can’t blame me for wanting a distraction). Arriving at the half-way mark is both an exciting and daunting prospect. On one side, the struggles of law school are nearing an end and the excitement of my year abroad nears closer. On the other, the rapids of the wide world approach quickly, and the fears one’s canoe might not survive the trip become far more real. It is this paradox that warrants discussion.

Firstly, I am delighted to have accepted my offer to spend my third year of my degree at the University of Antwerp! After a bit of a messy application process, I am delighted with the result and anxiously await my Belgian sojourn. It is rarely that you will have the chance to uproot your whole life with all the securities still intact. It is also an experience my travelling has prepared me well for. However, it does not come without its drawbacks. As someone who didn’t fully connect with my peers in high school, university was a dream in comparison. A solid and broad friend group, a close badminton team, and a supportive network of course peers too. After being lucky enough to attain all of this, it naturally becomes a harder thing to let go of. Of course a year away will not automatically dissolve all of my relationships, but I’d be naive to think there wouldn't be some sort of shift. Losing my current flat with two of my best mates, leaving behind several mates who have decided to remain in Glasgow will not come without implications. However, these might not all be negative. After high school especially, I am a firm believer in the benefits of a cleanse once in a while. Especially in today’s social climate, it’s very easy to feel pressured to maintain friendships without an actual desire to. It feels less and less accepted that it’s okay not to click with everyone. It doesn’t have to be a prejudice or malice that leads to the ending of a friendship - rather a realisation that you aren’t compatible people. A year away will allow time to reflect - and to ensure that I am not wasting my - and their time on a friendship that no longer works for both of us.

The prospective year also brings into reflection university as a whole. In a Scots Law (LLB), first year and second year are comprised of subjects prescribed by the Law Society of Scotland. That’s code for ‘pretty bland’. This last semester especially has been quite grim. Commercial law, trusts and succession, business organisations; although I enjoy the laws of business - the teaching has been left wanting. Looking forward to Antwerp also means deciding which subjects I actually want to do. Turns out that’s harder than one would have initially thought. There are two sides of me that contend with one another. On one, there’s the student who loves international law. The theory of its existence, the broad reaching consequences of it. Big issue law has a distinct charm. The other side, is the business minded student. I loved business in high school, and did very well. However, maybe because of my own prejudices or delusions of grandeur, I don’t know if I can condemn myself to a life of corporate law. I would in a cliche way, like to make a tangible difference. So what do you choose? A niche industry with limited jobs and lower pay? Or a wide industry with more jobs, more pay - but less moral reward? The marching on of time brings that choice more and more into focus. I am usually a planner, but for once, I would rather close my eyes and see where the winds take me.

A move to Antwerp also marks another milestone. - the longest amount of time spent away from my homeland. I have already written paying homage to the love I hold for Scotland. Even if a year is a little stint in the grand scheme of things, I will miss it. I recently returned from a few nights across the west coast - touring about with a friend. One night in Plockton, one on Skye, and one in Glen Coe. With glorious weather, excellent food, and familiar faces - it marked a thoroughly enjoyed trip. I often find myself craving a trip to the highlands and usually, If I really wanted to - I could. As lovely as Belgium is - it can’t recreate the rugged charm of the place I call home. I plan to soak up as much of it as possible before embarking on my next chapter.

Anyway! Although there has been a sombre undertone to this blog post - I also must express the excitement of my next journey. A life in a new country, a new culture, new people, new university, a whole new existence for a year. I plan to use the opportunity to both expand my horizons academically - but also extracurricularly. The travel opportunities from Antwerp are vast and accessible. I am aiming to have my 20th birthday in Paris - I’ll let you know if that materialises. The city of Antwerp also makes for an enticing prospect. Having only heard and seen good things - I am delighted this is where I will get to call home for 25/26. Although I hope finding a regular coffee shop is easy - embarrassingly that it a primary focus.

This summer also makes for a compelling outlook. In June, I will once again return to the south of France - this time with my sister, and to a different location - Antibes. I will also be heading up north a couple of times and going on what might very well be my last ever family holiday - to Croatia! I hope to plan a trip in August too, but that is currently up in the air. So, “bon voyage” I hear you say. Thank you! To you too, wherever your travels take you this year.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

— Confucius

Looking Forward, Leaving Behind

Summer of ‘24 Pt.4 - Berlin