Classes began on Monday after arriving in Stirling. And aside from getting used to a new campus and new classes the week was a blur. The shock from enjoying the first few weeks off in over ten weeks with no days off, to classes was abrupt. I’m enchanted by the new city and the quaint atmosphere, so I am finding it a wee bit hard to focus on my studies. Though, I will admit nothing prepared me for the longest class day for me, Monday.
My classes begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday and overlap for an hour until 10:00 a.m., which is a new experience for me. Usually I have such a set schedule that I know where I am going to be at anytime months in advance. Coming to study in Stirling has taught me patience and how to land on my feet when obstacles are thrown my way.
I need to take both of theses classes, I asked my professor what he thought I should do. He told me “you’re an adult, that’s your choice to make.” Which, in all fairness is true, as my 25th birthday is two days away from my writing this post. I chose to attend both, and miss one hour of a FOUR hour lecture, as I find both have equally important skills for me to learn.
Having to choose attending one lecture and being late to the other is weird for me. But apparently it is a common thing here. And the watch again feature of Canvas used at the University of Stirling is great! I can turn back to the lecture and hear anything I may have missed during that overlapping hour. So in reality, I’m just having to catch up an hour at home. Not so bad when I only have class twice a week.
Things may be off to a slow start, but from my calendar I can see things are heating up. I’ll share those things when I can, but rest assured exciting things. Things you can only View from [a] Bridge.
The first week of classes was also full of welcome events, including the Wallace Wah Hae. The Wallace Monument, honoring Scottish hero,William Wallace turns 150 this year. All the international students were invited to the Wah Hae, despite the gloomy weather, the local food vendors and live music kept us warm. The festival was to commemorate the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The bridge which still stands to this day! (And I get to see it on my ride into town.) The city is alive with history and I will take the opportunities to see all of it as my schedule permits. As of now, I am getting ready for a quick weekend trip to the Scottish capital and one of my favorite cities, Edinburgh.
I am going to Edinburgh with my flatmates, a new experience for me, as the last few times I visited the city it was with my partner. So I’m excited to see the city with a new perspective on my own and through the eyes of my flatmates who have not gotten to explore the city as well as I have.
I am also hitting a low point with my depression, a lot of things have been going on such as: changing classes, getting lost and being late to classes causing stress, being away from my family for my birthday, getting a wee bit ill, and to top it off, my period. To fend off the symptoms, I have found myself cooking and trying to eat well. Walking around the loch on campus and getting involved with societies on campus.
Next week, I will discuss travelling alone and with friends with depression. As for now, I am going to finish packing to enter my 25th year in one of my favorite cities, and begin the next chapter of my Mid-Youth Crisis.
Isaias Dassum 