Palmer Trinity School

25 F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 PERSPECTIVES towards the historic Culloden battlefield. e three-and-a-half-hour journey made me feel like I was traveling back in time, as there was no semblance of civilization the further we climbed north. e slick, wet sheep that dotted the verdant landscape stood in stark contrast to the crags that clung onto the sides of the mountains; such images enthralled me. We finally arrived at Culloden near noon. e National Historic Trust of Scotland organized an interactive educational program for us. We were separated into four groups with our teachers, in order to reenact four scenes that dealt with the consequences of the Battle of Culloden. In order to heighten the effect of our performances, we were given period costumes. After some eye-opening performances, we were given a private tour of the battlefield. is was my favorite moment of the entire trip, as I was able to retrace the steps of Scots who were relentless in their pursuit for freedom. e next two days brought us to the shores of St. Andrew's University (the third oldest English speaking university in the world) and Stirling Castle. After a couple hours of exploring throne rooms, bedrooms, and dungeons, we drove to the William Wallace monument. In order to reach the 300 step monument, we had to hike up a steep hill. At the top, we were greeted with a sweeping view of Stirling Castle and the surrounding Scottish countryside. Such eagerness to discover a world beyond my own carried over to the National Museum and Edinburgh Castle. At the castle, we witnessed the twenty-one cannon salute that welcomed the Queen to Edinburgh. At midnight, we hopped onto the cozy Caledonian Sleeper that would take us to London; Alas, our final day in Scotland had come to a close. Upon our arrival to London, it had been less than a week since the divisive 'Brexit' Referendum had passed. As such, several streets were blocked due to widespread protests. Witnessing a country on the precipice of immense change and analyzing the implications of such a decision was fascinating. My appetite for history was further satiated at the British Museum and the London Dungeon, which propelled us towards learning about the nuanced and riveting history of Britain. A stroll through the streets of London, coupled with a sunset ride aboard the London Eye brought our perfect trip to an end. e trip was a resounding success, with Associate Head of School, Danny Reynolds asserting that "e asynchronous independent study course on Scotland was a unique opportunity for our school to teach with the Chadwick School, our partner school in Los Angeles. Being able to spend a semester and several Saturdays working with 22 outstanding students and to travel with them to my ancestral home, was one of my most favorite experiences at Palmer Trinity." Senior Mateo Nuñez called the experience "truly instrumental in cultivating my global worldview." Global Scholar in Residence, Dr. Manjuala Salomon declared the program as "[some] of the most exciting learning we did this year." Ultimately, the Scotland Rebellion, Colonization, and Referendum course enabled me to experience the thrill of discovering a world beyond my own. Edinburgh and London are cities that are ripe with historical, cultural, and global significance and propelled me towards further cultivating my cosmopolitan worldview. Undoubtedly, the excitement in encountering newfound tastes, traditions, and sights will be reflected in the classroom and as such, will foster a superior learning environment. ese academic pursuits fermented my identity as a global citizen and paled in comparison to the typical classroom experience. It is through the experiences that Palmer Trinity offers that I am able free myself from the shackles of adolescence and indulge in the pleasures of academic and cultural empowerment.

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