I remember being told at the Conclave that my GRSP year would be the best year of my life, and for me this couldn't be more accurate. It's really difficult to put into words just how amazing this experience has been and I know whatever I write won't do it justice. To put it simply, applying for GRSP is one of the greatest decisions I have ever made and I am incredibly grateful for everyone who made this experience possible.

When I first arrived, it was definitely more of an adjustment than I expected. I had only just turned 18 and I had always lived in the same city so initially I missed my friends and family a lot. However, as time went on I began to feel more at home thanks to my amazing host family and the other people who made me feel welcome in the US. I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Griffin without whom this experience wouldn't be possible. Southern hospitality definitely exists and I am really touched by the kindness people have shown me throughout my time here.

Meeting the other GRSP students for the first time at the conclave was definitely the moment that I realised this was the start of something lifechanging. There were many people I instantly bonded with, both from my own country and all over the world. Teaching everyone a Scottish Ceilidh dance was one of my personal highlights, even though it was a wee bit messy it sure was a whole lot of fun (much like the Scots ourselves).

Since then we've made many more memories together both at the GRSP weekends and at the weekends we organised ourselves. Music Midtown was one of my favorite weekends as it was when we started getting to know each other and when some of my closest friendships began to develop. Also, going to Mexico with 14 other GRSP's was certainly an unforgettable experience where I realised I had a secret talent for DJing. Studying at the UGA has been fantastic and I've loved my time there. I'm so glad that I got to experience American college life as it is so different from college back in Scotland. Football games (and especially tailgating) were my favorite thing and I will definitely miss cheering on the Dawgs. I've enjoyed teaching my French roommate Sophie some Scottish slang and I take great pride when people say she sounds Scottish.

GRSP has taught me is that we really aren't that different and even if two people are from opposite sides of the world they can find something in common. Having friends from all over the world has taught me to consider things from different perspectives to my own and be generally more openminded.

But the one thing I will find the hardest to leave behind is all the GRSP students who in this past year have become like family. When I'm around them I just can't help but smile. It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing I'm always having a good time. At the end of each GRSP weekend I was always so sad about leaving them, even though I knew we'd meet again shortly. The thought of saying goodbye for the last time breaks my heart. However, I know that when we all meet again it will be like no time has passed.

I want to thank you guys for making me feel like the luckiest, happiest gal in the world and making this experience truly unforgettable. These truly have been the happiest of days and it's because of you guys.