When I boarded the plane from Edinburgh at the beginning of June, I had little idea what the next nine weeks would hold. It was my first time in the United States, and heading there for the summer was both exciting and daunting. But I knew that stepping into the unknown would be a chance for real growth.
After landing at O’Hare late on a Saturday night, my fellow intern Arran and I took Sunday to explore the city and settle in. By Monday morning, we were already in North Riverside, at The Scottish Home to begin our internship with Chicago Scots. From the very first moment we were welcomed with genuine warmth, encouragement, and support by the entire team.
Chicago Scots is Illinois' first and oldest non-profit organisation, with a mission that resonates deeply: to foster Scottish culture while caring for their residents who call Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care home. The impact of their work is profound, and I quickly came to appreciate how dedicated, compassionate, and community-focused the organisation is.
Their main event, the annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games was just two weeks away. This meant I was thrown straight into preparations. It was an intense introduction, but also an exhilarating one. I was able to see firsthand the passion and teamwork that goes into delivering such a major event, which welcomed around 10,000 attendees.
Throughout the internship, I was exposed to a wide range of projects that gave me real insight into the workings of a non-profit. What stood out most, though, was the people, who’s kindness and mentorship made this internship not just an educational opportunity, but a truly transformative experience.
I also owe immense thanks to the Saltire Scholar Programme, whose generosity made this entire experience possible. Their support not only funded my internship but also greatly enhanced my confidence, employability and opened the door to a global network of driven and ambitious students. Being part of this cohort is inspiring and has shaped the way I am approaching my future career.
