My name is Natalie, and I study Government, Policy and Society at the University of Edinburgh. I first applied to the Saltire Scholar programme after seeing the life-changing opportunity a friend of mine had in Washington DC the year before. I wanted to challenge myself in the same way and open new doors for my future.
This summer, I was an intern at the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society in Manhattan. Initially, I hadn’t planned to apply. After being rejected from another application, I felt discouraged. On top of that, because the role was rooted in historical research, I assumed a history student would be a better fit than me, a social policy student. But I applied anyway, and that’s exactly the advice I’d give to next year’s candidates: don’t count yourself out. The Saltire programme isn’t about grades or having the ‘perfect’ degree match. What matters most is your potential, enthusiasm, and how you show your passion through hobbies, extracurriculars, and lived experience that's why I would recommend the programme to anyone who has ever imagined an opportunity like this but hasn’t had the chance to make it happen.
The Saltire experience is about much more than the work itself. One of the highlights for me was the friendship with my fellow Saltire Scholar, Amelia, who was also living in New York. We discovered the city together, trying new restaurants, exercise classes, and activities. I can safely say that I’ve made a friend for life.
Another special memory for me was a private tour of Ellis Island. I had visited years before with my family, but this time, guided by experts, I experienced it in a much deeper, more meaningful way. Although I had been to New York several times before, living and working there gave me a completely new perspective on the city.
This summer has shaped my future. I feel more confident about the opportunities that lie ahead after graduation, and I now have a much clearer sense of the career direction I’d like to pursue.
