Walking, while seemingly simple, is beautifully complex, igniting each sense and creating a narrative for the environment. The quiet, rural roads of Illinois that filled my childhood led me to the intellectual and diverse chatter on sidewalks that has stamped my collegiate journey. As I prepare for my study abroad journey at the University of Stirling, I want walking to continue connecting me to preserving the world that has provided stable ground for each chapter. With this intention, I cultivated a sustainability mindset to guide my travels called ‘The 7 Wonders of Walking’: Nature, Discovery, Connection, Belonging, Reflection, Presence, and Health.
The Isle of Skye’s rocky mountains and dramatic coastlines inspire dreams of exploring Scotland’s natural beauty. With over 40 National Nature Reserves, I can walk the country’s incredible landscapes with consciousness, knowing the wildlife and habitats are protected (Goal 15: Life on Land) (https://www.nnr.scot/) (https://globalgoals.org/goals/15-life-on-land/). Whether I am on rugged terrain in the highlands or wandering the lush green paths that coat Stirling’s campus, nature leads to discovery. I imagine fresh espresso and stumbling across a tucked-away coffee shop, filled with Scottish locals bonding over their afternoon brew, or uncovering the rich history that built this country and its ties to my surname, ‘Campbell’ (https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-stirling/).
Exhibiting curiosity, like conversing with a barista, provides a glimpse of their story and how our individual walks of life intersect. These connections spark relationships, fostering a place where I can inspire others to live with more intention (Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities). Even though the floor of the coffee shop beneath me may be unfamiliar, this connection can transform my view into a lived experience, where I feel like I belong. Step by step, I hope to integrate Stirling into who I am and to ultimately make it feel like home.
Finding my place in a new country elicits emotions, specifically requiring reflection. Walking in solitude across campus trails, like the Loch Circuit, offers the opportunity to reflect on values that shaped my life and appreciate culture, maintaining the equilibrium of the planet and my inner self (Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being) (https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/getting-here/getting-around-campus/campus-walks/#:~:text=The%20woodland%20trail%20will%20lead,most%20of%20our%20beautiful%20campus). In a world that rushes, walking reflectively can pace me to be present. I can notice the air’s scent through changing seasons and hear lively chatter with enticing accents on Stirling Heritage Trails. Every awareness-raising step contributes to living a healthy life. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the leading cause of 86% of deaths in the European region (WHO data), but walking counteracts these trends, serving as self-care in protecting our bodies (https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/07-06-2022-cycling-and-walking-can-help-reduce-physical-inactivity-and-air-pollution–save-lives-and-mitigate-climate-change).
By choosing to walk, I can root my travels in sustainability. Movement is medicine, not only for our bodies but for the world around us, and it’s how I intend to truly arrive in Scotland.
