Greetings from… Cedar Rapids! I safely returned to the United States last week, and I can’t believe my Global Scholar journey has come to an end. It’s been an incredible year filled with so many wonderful life experiences. I’ve learned so much this past year and made strong relationships with so many amazing Rotarians in Edinburgh. I’m truly grateful for all the support everyone has provided over this past year.
I submitted my dissertation on August 6 after many months of hard work. I thoroughly enjoyed the research process and learning more about pro-environmental behavior change and how sustainability in universities is achieved. I won’t get my results until October, but I’ll be sure to share some of the outputs with everyone around that time. I had the privilege of presenting some of my research at the University of Edinburgh’s Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability’s staff meeting this month. We had a great conversation about behavior change for sustainability. It was an honor working with the SRS Department these past few months on my research!
After I submitted my dissertation, I made sure to pack in as much fun as I could during my remaining time in Edinburgh! I had a great time seeing various shows during the Fringe Festival. We saw comedy shows, magic shows, live music, and theatre performances. I’ve always loved the performing arts, and seeing so many great shows was such a great experience!
I also had the pleasure of giving a final talk at the Rotary Club of Edinburgh’s luncheon meeting on Thursday, August 13. I shared about my experiences throughout the year as a Global Scholar, my dissertation research, and my plans for the future. I also enjoyed attending the monthly evening meeting at McClaren’s on the Corner, as well as litter-picking with the Friends of Burdiehouse Park.
I’m so honored to have been supported by such an amazing network of people throughout my time in Edinburgh. I am incredibly grateful to Sunrise Rotary Cedar Rapids, the Rotary Club of Edinburgh, and Rotary International for investing in me and providing such a wonderful experience for young professionals like myself. I’m excited to see where this next chapter of my life takes me and to continue my involvement with Rotary and Rotaract.
Cheers! Ashton
