Globbal Scholar Olivia's Year End Report

            This past week, I completed my dissertation and officially concluded my coursework for my MSc International Development. In two more weeks my time in Edinburgh will come to a close as I return to Texas to attend the University of Houston Law Center. I could not have asked for a better experience abroad and have been so appreciative of all the opportunities that I’ve had during my time as a Rotary Global Scholar.

          

            This past week, I completed my dissertation and officially concluded my coursework for my MSc International Development. In two more weeks my time in Edinburgh will come to a close as I return to Texas to attend the University of Houston Law Center. I could not have asked for a better experience abroad and have been so appreciative of all the opportunities that I’ve had during my time as a Rotary Global Scholar.

            The past few months have been incredibly busy with the end of classes and going through the process of writing my dissertation, so there were fewer Rotary activities to attend. I gave a couple of more presentations at Rotary clubs on the coast of the North Sea outside of Edinburgh and near Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. A couple of weeks ago I had the chance to volunteer at the Royal Highland Show with my host Rotary club of Corstorphine and had the chance to see a bit of Scottish country life. Having grown up in the country in Texas, the show reminded me quite a bit of home and it was interesting to see the Scottish version of some of the events I’ve been to in Texas. This past week I was also able to act as an International Observer for the Venezuelan plebiscite which took place on July 16^th. The chance to connect with different international communities and to meet people from so many different places has been truly incredible!

 

 In between school and different activities, I also had the chance to meet up with other Rotary Global Scholars from different U.K universities here in Edinburgh and in London. It was fantastic to hear about how their experience has been and to do different activities together from going on a ghost tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town to seeing the Phantom of the Opera in London. I’m truly so grateful for all of the amazing experiences I have had while abroad and  for being able to attend such an incredible university. I cannot thank Rotary enough for this opportunity and for all of the support I’ve received throughout it!

 

PS: Olivia has been  offered a Dean's Scholarship for all three years of law school at the University of Houston.