How does a nation progress from the third world to the first? By what means did the first world arrive where it is today? And where should goals of development be placed from now on? These are questions that international development theorists wrestle with to comprehend what “development” means. Three…
“The American Way”
About halfway through our trip, Dr. Kim Gaddie made the comment to us that her daughter felt she had finally been in Scotland long enough to be annoyed with the other American visitors she sees. Why was it so easy to get annoyed with “the dumb Americans?” When I looked…
My Understanding of Scottish Nationalism
The Scottish referendum on independence, in September of 2014, made headlines as the world wondered if the Britain was to lose another piece of its empire. Before this moment, probably few outside of the UK had really paid attention to the current state of the 300 year old “union of…
Visit to the Isle of Arran
Our trip to the Isle of Arran was an incredible experience. Upon arrival, I certainly see why the isle is called “Scotland in miniature.” From the rocky seashore to the peaks including Goatfell, from the fields clad in wildflowers to the impressive evergreen forests, from the boggy marsh areas to…
June 16th Reflection on Communication with regard to the Referendum
Through interacting with different Scotsmen and women so far, I have seen many differences in their communication style than that of many Americans. They seem more keen to meet a stranger and immediately act as kindred spirits for a time. There is a sense of camaraderie that has been extended…
Visit to Glasgow
It’s such a treat to have been able to see several areas of Scotland outside of Edinburgh so far. Though we only visited Glasgow for a few hours, it was easy to pick up on a completely different vibe from the city than what we had previously seen. We visited…
Introduction to My Scottish National Experience
This year has been a lesson in rolling with what has come my way. I had made plans to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Puebla, Mexico at the two new OU study centers this summer, but through a complex chain of events, I ended up in Scotland for…
