A diverse, welcoming group

May 24, 2017

Upon our arrival in Edinburgh, we traveled to where we were going to be staying for almost the entire rest of the month: The Gilmore Guest house. This hostel accommodated all of us into four rooms with one of the rooms housing six with three bunkbeds (which is also the room I myself is staying in). We knew going in that any room that can fit six people was going to be a cozy squeeze, and indeed our expectations became reality. However, living in close quarters with the other students on the dialogue will only make us closer as a group. Despite the malfunctioning wifi (which without surprise had everyone frantic) and the sputtering shower on the first night, this guest house is a nice small comfort on the outskirts of Edinburgh to spend our nights. It may be small but the staff is very welcoming and helpful. The only purpose for the guest house is really only to shower and sleep in because I expect most of our free time to go into exploring every street corner and attraction in Edinburgh.

Coming onto this trip, I never expected to be apart of such a diverse, welcoming group of students. At first (and by at first I mean mostly just the first hour waiting for the plane at the airport) we were all a bit quiet with one another however, after that we were all destined to become friends. On this trip we have 9 girls: Kaylie, Holly, Ally, Alix, Rachel, Lucy, Nikki, Sarah, and myself along with one lone boy Thomas. In reality, this group of people could not have been better put together for this dialogue. We all seem to have a passion for healthcare and the research we are doing as well as ambition for exploring every part of the city we can. It has been very easy for us all to spend time together and get to know one another with all the walking and talking we do throughout each day. Our professor, Dr. O’Neil has also been nothing less than supportive and kind to each and every one of us on this trip. She has organized this experience so that we are without a doubt getting the absolute most out of it and has explained each aspect of our assignments and duties in great detail in order to ensure each of us do well. She is slowly taking the time to get to know each one of us and it is clear to see that sort of patience and dedication to her group is of high importance to her.

All in all, I can truly say that this group of students has the potential alongside our professor to achieve the most experience, knowledge, and cultural immersion we can throughout our travels in Edinburgh. We are in for an unforgettable month without a doubt!

Written By

Audrey Brigham

As a student studying health sciences, a dialogue encompassing research, cultural differences, and exploring the various fields embodying each aspect of healthcare could not have appealed to me more. My goals for this trip are to actively engage in every opportunity that presents itself to me. I hope to learn from the research I am assisting with, the professionals I am shadowing, as well as the patients I am working with. During this program, I also hope to take in all of the scenery and culture I can. Outside of school, I am the Vice President and member of the Northeastern Club Field Hockey team and am an active runner. I spend most of my time outdoors so I hope to catch some beautiful sights on my travels and runs throughout Edinburgh. I also have a passion for nutrition and cuisine so I hope to be able to indulge myself at some of the local restaurants as well. Overall, I cannot be more than grateful for the opportunity to document this experience and share everything that I can!