A community of scholars working together

Facilitators

Megan McShane

I am Megan, a third-year student at the University of Strathclyde studying International Business with Spanish. I have always been very passionate about languages having studied both French and Spanish since primary school, however, it was the Spanish culture that persuaded me to choose this language for my course. Last summer I lived in Malaga working as an au pair and I absolutely fell in love with the experience. It has made me even more excited for next year as I get the opportunity to go on a year abroad, where my business subjects will be taught to me in Spanish at a Spanish university. In the future I am hoping to combine both Spanish and business, as my dream job is working as a translator for an international organisation. Along with studying, I have had a part-time job for the past two years working at Sainsbury’s, which I absolutely love as there are so many lovely regular customers to chat to.

For hobbies I have always been very interested in fitness - gymnastics and dancing have been such an important part of my life from a very young age. I have also always loved music as I play the violin and piano.

This year I had to undertake an internship for my course, which is how I came across the Virtual Writing Retreat. I have always struggled with stress around studying and exams, so once I discovered the Virtual Writing Retreat, I knew this was the perfect internship for me, allowing me to combine my own studying with learning how to best support students surrounding the stress of blended learning. Being a student myself, I believe this has allowed me to connect with the undergraduates who attend our retreats, as I understand the disruption this unconventional year has brought to student lives. Furthermore, in the future I aspire to reach a wider variety of students from different universities to inform them about the VWRUG, as I believe it can be staple in all students lives, assisting them with stress and helping them achieve their goals.

Hannah Reid

Hi, my name is Hannah and I'm a third year student at the University of Strathclyde studying International Business and Spanish. After progressing into my third year at university, it has been a huge jump in terms of academic demand and workload. Between studying and working part time at Tesco, it’s definitely been a challenge trying to balance everything! Usually when I’m not working or studying, I will spend hours either reading or watching movies. I adore the classics. However, I am now busy with preparing for my year abroad next year, which will involve me moving to Spain and adapting to a new way of life. This means that third year will require a lot of effort and skill in order to advance with my Spanish, and also my knowledge of Business. Even though Spanish is my toughest subject and it can be extremely challenging, I enjoy learning it and am excited at the idea of being able to speak it fluently one day. I hope to be able to live in Zaragoza where I will continue with my HR studies at the University of Zaragoza, and hopefully develop my language skills to a much higher level. Also, I can’t wait to experience a new culture, meet new people and further my self-confidence.

As part of our Management Development class this year, we were given the opportunity to undertake an internship at a company of our choosing. After coming across the Virtual Writing Retreat and learning about their values, I was instantly drawn to them and what they did. The retreats are an effective way for students to come together and work on a virtual platform with others who may feel isolated studying alone, especially if they cannot attend classes or meet people at this time . With the majority of academic work being carried out online, it means that a lot of students are deprived of the social experience that college or university has to offer, and can result in students feeling withdrawn and unsupported. Our undergraduate retreats have provided a welcoming place for any struggling students to discuss their problems and receive any help that they need with coursework, studying, or even if they're in need of a motivational boost. I have personally benefitted from the retreats and now look forward to waking up and getting through my to do list, they make me a lot more productive and organised. With the positive feedback we have received already, I am excited and hopeful for the expansion of the Virtual Writing Retreat and feel optimistic about the undergraduate programme!

Blain Aitken

Hello, my name is Blain Aitken, and I'm a second-year student at Heriot-Watt University doing Robotic, Autonomous, and Interactive Systems. My course has always been something I wanted to do, even when I was younger I would watch Robot Wars and always found it super cool. When I reached high school I realised I was good at it and won the S6 award for computing science. At school I was Vice Chair of the LGBTQ+ committee where we developed training sessions for NHS, public sector & other schools. This promoted awareness for the cause & helped us win a COSLA Excellence Award in 2018. In light of this we were voted the most influential Fifers of 2018 by the Fife Free Press. I was also part of the High School leadership team and left as deputy head boy.

For my interests, I'm super nerdy and geeky. I pretty much love all things video games, which has been handy since I am learning the coding behind the game play now. I also love Dungeon & Dragons, it's been a good way to talk to friends during COVID & more recently I have booked my motorcycle licence.

I wanted to be part of the Virtual Writing Retreat Undergrad Chapter (VWRUGC) because I needed structure. This year has been hard for me; surviving University during lockdown & online lectures isn't great for motivation. So, I joined to help myself & others. It creates structure to study days & helps you meet deadlines. I honestly believe it creates a bit of normalcy during lockdown as it helps you stay accountable to your studies because we work as a team & support each other.

Virtual Writing Retreat