Reflections on September, Happiness and Scotland

I once thought that September was the quickest month. With school beginning, it seemed that the month passed faster than any other. October's excitement-filled long wait for Halloween passed slower.

The last two years have proved how fast every month seems to move and how positive change can be. A new routine, place, people, names and experiences are all wonderful occurrences. I think I write "two years" because it's how I've measured my own personal changes: a year in Scotland coupled with personal triumphs and challenges, the discovery of a love for writing, interaction, the natural world and photography, followed by a final year of American college and a post-grad summer, accompanied by experiences, travels, friendships, ideas, books, pieces of writing and personal growth that I would have thought impossible more than two years earlier. I don't know if I would recognize myself today in comparison to a few years ago.

I've recently found myself at the place where it all began: school (in September).

Throughout college, I pondered if an alternative route to teaching in one of America's most disadvantaged regions was for me. When I gave it my all and the offer arrived earlier this year, I chose to decline, for want of something different, yet unsure of what that was. Throughout the summer, I completed somewhere between 15 and 20 interviews and ultimately settled into two retail positions that I loved. After 7 and 9 weeks at each, I accepted an offer at a boarding school near New Hampshire's white mountains and began the transition.

Holderness, New Hampshire

More than a week in to the position, I feel that I've settled exactly where I should be right now. I don't work directly with students, but in a combination of advancement, fundraising, writing and marketing. I've joined student clubs and sports teams to get to know the high school students better and each day has been more positive and exciting than the last. The community of a small school feels familiar, yet new and exciting.

Plymouth, New Hampshire

And as a side note, because I must, please know that this post and future posts reflect my opinion and ideas solely, not that of my employer.

Plymouth, New Hampshire

I've thought often that happiness and fulfillment tend to arrive when purpose and goals and direction are achieved. 

While everything has been a bit crazy this past week, the Scottish referendum cannot be forgotten. It was exciting, nerve-wracking and fascinating to watch Scotland on the international stage. I loved the example of a democracy in action with more than 85% of Scots choosing to vote. In short, I'm pleased with the outcome, I expect and hope the United Kingdom will continue to reassess its role and the power each of the four countries hold in the decades ahead, but continued unification, togetherness and representation for today seems like the best option. In the meantime, I have no doubt that recognition of and celebration of Scottish culture will continue both in Scotland and around the world.

September 2012, St. Andrews, Scotland

October 2012, Perthshire, Scotland