Yesterday I went to the first of a lecture series at the university of Aberdeen that I had signed up for to challenge my brain!
I went early partly to avoid the traffic at the end of the working day and partly to have time to wander.
What a strange mix of feelings I experienced being there!
All the youngsters were bubbly and loving life ...and I thought I'd been far too serious as a student!
The university library where I studied for my Chemistry in my final year is being demolished and beside it you see the brand new one which I must visit next time I go!
It's a beautiful campus but photo opportunities were a little restricted as there are elections for various student activities going on so there were some remarkable scrappy posters all over the place. They are environmentally friendly though - used cardboard boxes and anything recyclable to display their 'vote for...' stuff on!
As I walked around the area I felt the shy, slightly vulnerable person I once was coming back - a little lost in the extended campus - the coffee shop wasn't where it was the last time! Eventually found a little shop on the High St (bottom left) where very friendly students (?) served me something to eat/drink - I liked the way they interacted with each other and with me!
There was an extensive display in the grounds 'Whole Earth' with fabulous photos and text informing us about the abuse of the planet and encouraging action.
And then I went inside and there were more friendly students in the area beside the conference centre lecture theatre - all developed since I was a student - in what was the old King's Library.
It was awesome listening to Professor Sarah Coakley from Cambridge University and Ely Cathedral. It made me feel my own learning had a long way still to go!
I didn't feel so ancient in the lecture as there were lots of 'mature' members in the audience! But it would be nice to go with someone who would talk about it afterwards......
"The Gifford Lectures were established by the will of Adam Lord Gifford (died 1887). They were established to "promote and diffuse the study of Natural Theology in the widest sense of the term — in other words, the knowledge of God." The term natural theology as used by Gifford means theology supported by science and not dependent on the miraculous."
Well a very enlightening day all round Sallie !! Listening to your chosen lectures & then also a trip down memory lane must have been quite emotional going back to being in University environment as an ''older'' student !! Thank you for all information & photos ...do you go back for more lectures ?
@happypat Hi Pat - there are 6 lectures altogether - 2 each week, so I'll try to get to the end. At least there is no exam so I can just enjoy the listening /thinking and no worries if I can't make it!
So interesting, Sallie. Geoff and I were both students here too - so long ago that the building being pulled down (top left) was called the 'New Library'!
Super collage and very interesting text. Crossing everything that Josh gets the grades he needs or Aberdeen. I just loved it and would love to have future photo opportunities up there! You definitely must go inside the new library and a wander round the sports village if you get the chance!
Good for you in taking on such a challenge! It sounds very stimulating too. Just think of all that wisdom that you've developed since your student days there!
I always have mixed feelings going back to my alma mater as well. Buildings have changed, the student body is similar but different, my life has changed but I still treasure much of what happened in my life while I was there. Good for you in continuing your education- it's going to keep you young and make you feel "old" all at the same time, but it'll be worth it!
April 20th, 2012
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thanks very much!