Pre-Scotland

My name is Brittany Ryan, and I have been honored with the responsibility of being a Rotary Ambassador during my time in Scotland! I am originally from Dallas, Texas, but have been living in Norman, Oklahoma for the past 4 years while attending the University of Oklahoma. BOOMER SOONER! I graduated this May 2010 with a B.B.A. in Management, Summa Cum Laude - yes I'm telling everyone I'm Summa because I worked hard for that!! So now I am representing and corresponding with Rotary District 5770 which encompasses the 3 Norman Rotary clubs as well as surrounding clubs. Aside from meeting other Scottish Rotary clubs and volunteering with them, I will be attending the University of Edinburgh pursuing a Masters in International Business & Emerging Markets. I am excited but nervous because I hope I'm prepared for an entirely different school system. I anticipate lots of reading and writing and not exams or quizzes.

I can't believe I leave for Scotland so soon! I was talking to a friend yesterday, and he asked when I left (September 3). He mentioned that its very soon - just next Friday. I hadn't even realized!!

I have packed up a FedEx box of coats, pots/pans, and other miscellaneous items to ship over the pond. I will also be bringing two large suitcases full of clothes, shoes, hangers, etc. Hey, a girl's gotta look fashionable when representing the U.S.!

I will be living in iQ Edinburgh - which I am very excited about. I have my own flat and it has an incredible view! Being a corner room on the top floor, I get two walls of windows instead of just one! I will upload pics of my room and view once I get there. iQ Edinburgh is a complex for student housing, however it's not related to the University. In May when I visited for 4 days, I tried looking elsewhere but ended up choosing iQ because I think it will be a good way to network and make friends easily! Plus they have many items already provided including internet and utilities so I won't have to worry about that monthly payment.

Getting a visa has been a hassle needless to say. I had to contact a lawyer for help just so that I didn't mess it up. I still don't have my visa or passport back yet, but I have sent it in to be processed so fingers crossed I'll get it before September 3! (I'm sure I will though...) It took me so long to send everything in because I had to send my completed OU transcript to the Uni in order to get an unconditional acceptance. Then I had to wait on the Uni to get my CAS number. Then schedule a biometrics appointment along with lots of organizing. It's just overwhelming if no one tells you how to do it but luckily I had some help!

Setting up wire transfers has also been challenging but I think I've figured it out. Anyway, I have mixed feelings about leaving - mostly excitement and elation, but some sadness and apprehension. What an incredible opportunity though! I can't wait!