​Janel Adkins
​Gordonstoun 2013

First time out of the country
​
My experience at Gordonstoun International Summer School was breathtaking. I would have never thought at sixteen years old I would be leaving the country!

The atmosphere of the Gordonstoun campus seemed to be set up as a college campus with dorm rooms, a sports center, art room, drama department and much more. The housing on the campus was well put together and being a sixteen year old girl, I was given my own room to stay in throughout my time at Gordonstoun. I was placed in the Plewlands House with girls ranging from eight to seventeen, which was perfect place to meet many new girls from all over the world! Every night we had a house meeting where we discussed how our day went and what we had going on the next day.

Each day was set on an organized schedule which I enjoyed because it wasn't like you had to search for things to do. Throughout the final weeks at Gordonstoun, we had many "clan" competitions, such as basketball, obstacle courses, swimming and track and field. As part of the Stewart clan, I took part in the basketball competition. 

During the few weeks I was in Scotland, I got quite a few chances to leave the Gordonstoun campus. At Gordonstoun, there was this space in your time schedule for options and I chose quad biking, cookery, and horseback riding. I decided to go outside my comfort zone and try new things... I mean not many teenagers can say they left the country! When I was in Scotland, that was my first time riding a horse and going quad biking (my favorite).

Scotland had many places to shop and in my opinion, the store, Inverness was the best place to shop. My favorite part of the Gordonstoune experience was the West Coast! I did many things I never thought I would do, such as coastering, biking and kayaking. The best part of the West Coast, was being able to try new things and getting my first fish and chips. During the day, we had met up with all the rest of the groups and had a cook-out. We also rode bikes into town and got an ice cream cone and some local candy.

I am very thankful for being able to attend the Gordonstoun experience and my family is as well. Being able to leave the country was very exciting for me especially being a teenager. Now I am able to say I have left the country and experienced the Gordonstoun International Summer School!​