Welcome by Stuart Taylor https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome Welcome to SUISS 2021 en-us 2021-06-08 07:26:48 UTC 2025-10-25 02:59:20 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f3f4-e0067-e0062-e0073-e0063-e0074-e007f.png Hi everyone! stjamestayloriii https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1592230752 My name is Stuart Taylor and I'm one of the co-directors of SUISS 2021. Really looking forward to meeting everyone!]]> 2021-06-08 07:32:40 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1592230752 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1629824269 My name is Adisa Ahmetspahić, a PhD student from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and creating new experiences. ]]> 2021-06-29 08:43:27 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1629824269 Hi! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1630043889 Nice to meet you all. My name is Ana Fernández Blázquez, I am an undergraduate student of Hispanic Languages and Literature at the Autonomous University of Madrid.  I am so glad to be able to join you in Edinburgh!]]> 2021-06-29 12:41:57 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1630043889 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1630188303 My name is Ioanna Solomidou (or you can just call me Joanna) and I live in Athens, Greece. I am an undergraduate English Language and Literature student at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Apart from literature and poetry I also love foreign language learning, ballet & contemporary dancing and arts in general. I am looking forward to meeting you all!]]> 2021-06-29 14:25:39 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1630188303 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1630661908 My name is Grace Brogan. I am an undergraduate student at Thomas More University in the USA, studying Political Science and Law. I am looking forward to arriving in Edinburgh and meeting everyone!]]> 2021-06-29 22:32:37 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1630661908 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1631659853 My name is Argyri Vlachou (Argy) and I am an undergraduate English Language and Literature student at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. I'm also a ballerina and movie lover. I can't wait to meet you!

]]> 2021-06-30 12:36:36 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1631659853 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1634386692 My name is Estephany Reyes (Stephanie with an E or Steph for short). I am an English/ESL Teacher and have been for about eleven years. Besides reading and writing prose and poetry, I enjoy traveling and learning about new cultures! I look forward to meeting you all!]]> 2021-07-02 03:41:35 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1634386692 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1635239536 My name is Lis (short for Lissa). I'm from Brazil where I work as a playwright, screenwriter and actress. I've lived in UK for a while in the past but now I live in my born country. I'm fascinated for the Scottish culture so I look forward to meet you all and start this wonderful  course (even online). I can see we will have an amazing time together! ]]> 2021-07-02 19:21:50 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1635239536 Hello everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1635737484 My name is Mariana Cruz and I am a PhD candidate at NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal. My current fields of research are Anglo-American Literature and Aging Studies. I am also very passionate about cinema and the other visual arts. I am so excited to meet you all!]]> 2021-07-03 14:42:45 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1635737484 Hello everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1637076607 My name is Alejandro Nadal and I'm a PhD candidate and research fellow at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. I'm currently writing a dissertation on Jean Rhys' modernist novels (and still going strong!). I'm a food lover and my greatest passion is losing myself in art galleries. I can't wait to meet all of you and enjoy this experience!]]> 2021-07-05 08:36:45 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1637076607 Hello from Florida https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1637628822 Hello. I'm Michelle Start and I live in sunny Fort Myers, Florida. I am a literature teaching and am working on my master's degree in Technical Writing through the University of Central Florida. After this summer, I will have one class left until I am done. I love anything outside and have been to Scotland twice now for the summer of 2017 and summer 2018. I wish I were there now but am excited to meet all of you and to learn more!

]]> 2021-07-05 18:06:51 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1637628822 Hi Hi https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1637749709 I'm Madeline, coming from Nova Scotia, Canada. I'm a BA student majoring in English going into my 3rd year. My Creative Writing Prof suggested this course to me, and with my love for English (especially writing poetry), I thought it would be an incredible opportunity to grow. I so look forward to learning with and from all of you! :) ]]> 2021-07-05 20:54:13 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1637749709 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1638606185 Nice to meet you all. I'm Andrew Checchia, and I'm an undergraduate English and film student at UCLA. I'm from Houston, Texas and have traveled a lot, but I've never spent significant time in Scotland before! Aside from creative writing, I love to make music, eat good food, and explore the city around me.]]> 2021-07-06 09:10:14 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1638606185 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1638802402 Hi everyone! I'm Amy Bromley, and I am one of the tutors for Modernism (my seminars will be the online ones). I did my PhD at the University of Glasgow on Virginia Woolf's short fiction (I spent a lot of time thinking about the difference between 'stories' and 'sketches'...!). I'm really looking forward to meeting you next week, and to talking about all these texts & contexts with you! ]]> 2021-07-06 13:13:54 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1638802402 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1638940637 Hello! My name is Theo. I'm a Creative Writing Honors and Art double major with a minor in English at the University of Michigan in the United States. I spent a summer studying film at the University of Birmingham in England, and am excited to be back in the UK. I am excited to meet Edinburgh and some new folks!]]> 2021-07-06 15:04:29 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1638940637 Hello!! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1639297101 Hi. My name is Yumna.I'm from Egypt. I am currently doing my Undergraduate degree in Film and Creative Writing at the American University in Cairo. I love to travel and I enjoy learning languages (currently still working on my French). I love to write ,though I do procrastinate quite a bit. I think this will be a great opportunity to get me working and learning. I'm looking forward to this!!!]]> 2021-07-06 22:13:03 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1639297101 Hello. https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640075754 Hi everyone, I'm nicky melville, poet and in-person Creative Writing Tutor on this year's Summer School.
Looking forward to my first in-person class in over a year :) ]]> 2021-07-07 08:09:29 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640075754 你好！Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640337371 My name is Hao, a digital guy from China. Glad to join SUISS again and meet you online with my digital version~

]]> 2021-07-07 13:14:54 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640337371 Hi everyone! carlybrownwriter https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640392027 Hello there! My name's Carly Brown and I'm the creative writing tutor for online group this year. I'm an author and poet based in Edinburgh (originally from Austin, Texas) and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone this year! :)]]> 2021-07-07 13:53:29 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640392027 Hi All! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640438742 My name is Diana, and I'm a high school English teacher in New York City. I love my cats, all things lit, and am super excited to be a student again! (Also, married to a Scotsman from Glasgow...stoked to learn more about the culture).]]> 2021-07-07 14:24:54 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640438742 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640478461 My name is Marina and I'm an MA student of English Language and Literature, and Philosophy in Maribor, Slovenia. Besides travelling and reading (duh), I also love sleeping and gaming. Very excited to be here! (p.s. my professor says you need to send me some fish and chips while in quarantine)]]> 2021-07-07 14:51:32 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1640478461 Hello!! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1641753906 My name is Al Isra ( you can call me Isra for short) and I'm an undergraduate BA student. I'm majoring in English Language and Literature at Sultan Qaboos University. I like to write random thoughts and read fiction. My cat is the most precious thing to me. ]]> 2021-07-08 10:29:12 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1641753906 🌼 https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1641843003 Hi, I am Shalmali. I love art, literature and everything in between. I finished my MA in English Literature and currently teach at a school in Mumbai, India. Though I am gutted for not being able to see all of you and learn in person, I do feel grateful to be here virtually. ]]> 2021-07-08 12:30:10 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1641843003 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1642219883 Hi! My name is Baila, but I go by Noir. I am a senior creative writing major at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania and will be graduating this December. I love writing both poetry and short stories. In addition to writing, I enjoy art and music. I'm so excited to be here in Edinburgh and look forward to meeting all of you! ]]> 2021-07-08 17:41:30 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1642219883 Hello from Vietnam https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643189493 Hi everyone! I'm Anh Do and I'm a rising Junior at St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the US majoring in Liberal Arts. I love reading Philosophy and Literature, writing, and wandering around! I'm currently staying at home in Vietnam and will be doing this course online. I can't wait to see all of you and learn with you, though virtually!]]> 2021-07-09 09:47:17 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643189493 Hi everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643221154 I’m Barbara Vrachnas and I’ll be teaching Modernism face-to-face (after a year and half of being outside the classroom!). I did my PhD at the University of Edinburgh on late Victorian author Ouida and I’ve been teaching literature for about a decade, mostly Victorian and Modernist. I’m looking forward to seeing you all next week!]]> 2021-07-09 10:46:24 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643221154 Hello all the way from South Africa! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643229999 I'm Kirsten Deane, I am a Masters Creative Writing student at The University of The Western Cape. I write both poetry and prose, however, I tend to write more poetry as it comes more naturally to me but this year I have committed myself to more prose! I am sad that I won't be able to attend the school in person but I am looking forward to learning with you all in this new way of life :)]]> 2021-07-09 11:04:20 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643229999 https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643278324 Hi, I'm Sophie, from Brooklyn New York, currently in the last few days of quarantine. I was a creative writing major, graduated in 2020. I love writing sci fi and genre fiction. Excited to get started!]]> 2021-07-09 12:32:31 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643278324 Hello! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643371840 Hi everyone, I'm Calum Rodger, one of the Co-Directors of SUISS (along with Stuart). I've been working with SUISS since 2015, first as a Scottish Literature tutor and then as Co-Director, and really can't wait to work with you all this summer. I did my PhD at the University of Glasgow on an amaaazing poet/artist called Ian Hamilton Finlay. I love experimental poetry and video games and since lockdown last year I've increasingly been trying to find cool ways to connect the two :) It's a pleasure to welcome you all to SUISS and I'm really looking forward to meeting you all!]]> 2021-07-09 14:12:45 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643371840 Hello from Switzerland https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643929122 I'm Mai, a 20-year-old undergraduate student in English and French at the University of Basel. I always thought I'd study medicine; However, life planned otherwise, so here I am, but happier than ever before. I love to draw, write (poetry and prose) and read (mainly fantasy but also classics like Emma or Jane Eyre). I must admit I'm pretty nervous after reading how experienced everyone here is since I'm only in my second semester BA, but I love challenges and can't wait to learn more! :) ]]> 2021-07-10 06:51:23 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1643929122 Cheers! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1644546526 Hi everyone! I'm Myrtle, a postgraduate student of Film and Cultural Studies and a graduate of English Language and Literature. So far, my studies have remained in my comfort zone of the Greek environment, but my readings and my visual encounters with foreign films and documentaries allow me to breeze into unknown territories. I can't wait to get to know you and share with you my critical and affective responses to all these amazing texts!]]> 2021-07-11 13:41:28 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1644546526 Gday folks :) https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1644553777 Hello all, my name is Sander and I work as an English teacher at a secondary school in The Netherlands. I am participating in this course to expand my knowledge of English literature. Looking forward to learn a lot from you all.]]> 2021-07-11 13:59:52 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1644553777 Sandy from Hong Kong ^^ https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1645588920 Dear all I am glad to be (seems) the only representative of Hong Kong. I have been an ESL teacher for nearly two decades and I have a Philosophy, Politics, Linguistics and Literature academic background. I joined SUISS twice in 2016 and 2017 on Contemporary and Scottish Literature respectively and I brought home with me wonderful friendships, memories and knowledge. Edinburgh has been my second favourite city ever since (the first is Hong Kong XD). This time I am glad to be back online to do Creative Writing, which I am deeply interested in but not knowledgeable enough. I love writing short stories and I would like to learn as much as I can this summer, hopefully overcoming my fear of writing poetry and playscripts too! ]]> 2021-07-12 06:51:04 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1645588920 Hello from Navarre (Spain) :D https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1645787588 Hello everyone :D I'm Natalia Jiménez, from a little town in Southern Navarre, on the very North of Spain. I just graduated a few weeks ago from English Studies (Language and Literature), and I'm looking forward to expanding my knowledge in English Literature with the courses on Modernist and Contemporary Literature here. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend in person (I'm dying to get to know Scotland one day!), but I'll see you all online. My main interests are literature and film (and also philosophy and history), and I'm especially passionate about Tolkien and his view on fantasy, so I hope to devote my career to that. Looking forward to learning from all of you :D]]> 2021-07-12 10:52:41 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1645787588 Hello from Navarre (Spain) :D https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1645792248 Hi everyone :D I'm Natalia Jiménez, and I come from a little town in Southern Navarre, in the very North of Spain. I just graduated a few weeks ago from English Studies (Language and Literature), and I hope to expand my knowledge on literature through the courses on Modernism and Contemporary Literature. I love literature and film (and also philosophy and history) and I'm particularly passionate about Tolkien and his view on fantasy, so hopefully I'll get to devote my career to that! I'm looking forward to meeting you all, although unfortunately it'll have to be on-line (I hope I get to know Scotland one day!). See you soon :D]]> 2021-07-12 11:00:32 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1645792248 Greetings from Cyprus https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1646052093 My name is Yiangos Pavlou, i am nearly 20 years old, i originate form the capital of Cyprus, which is Nicosia, and i have lived there my entire life. i am a second year English studies student at UCY (University of Cyprus) and i am mainly interested/partake in musical activities as a hobby. I play the drums and am a huge nerd/geek. I sincerely hope to meet you all up close before the end of the lectures. :P]]> 2021-07-12 15:08:26 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1646052093 Greetings from Greece https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1646088831 Hello! My name is Eva Petsou, and I am a 19 year old girl from Yiannitsa. Yiannitsa is a small town in central Macedonia, in Greece. This year is going to be my second year in the University of Cyprus, where I study English Literature and Language. My main interest is going to the gym, lifting weights, and doing make up. Also I love to party with friends and create unforgettable memories. Can't wait to meet you all!!!]]> 2021-07-12 15:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1646088831 Hello from Geneva, Switzerland! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1646269588 My name is Pauline and I am from Geneva, Switzerland.

I am currently studying English Literature at University of Geneva. I hold a BA in French Literature and Film Studies as well as a MA in French Literature with a specialisation in Theater Studies and Dramaturgy.

I love cold water swimming and walks with my dog - two things that pair well with studying literature!
I can't wait to meet you all!]]> 2021-07-12 19:02:25 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1646269588 Hello from Ankara, Turkey! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1647588667 I'm Yesim Ipekci. I am currently working as a research assistant and studying as a PhD candidate in English Literature at Middle East Technical University. I am working on the continuities between the Victorian and Modernist bildungsroman. I am very thankful for the scholarship to attend the SUISS. Looking forward to meeting you all! Many thanks to the professors organizing it! ]]> 2021-07-13 12:00:48 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1647588667 Hi everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1649435980 I'm Fiona Paterson and I will be tutoring on the Scottish Literature (face-to-face!) course at SUISS in August. I'm currently working on a PhD on the modernist poet Hugh MacDiarmid at the University of Glasgow, where I also do some teaching with undergraduates - MacDiarmid will be our first class so I hope my Scot Lit students are as excited as I am! Looking forward to meeting you soon and wishing you a safe and literary-filled stay in Edinburgh when the time comes.]]> 2021-07-14 13:20:46 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1649435980 Hello everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1652521989 My name is Sofia Nakou and I will be tutoring on the Theatre and Performance studies course this August! I am a theatre director and drama facilitator based in Scotland and I also do a lot of Applied Theatre work with young people. Currently I am working on a PhD at Edinburgh University which focuses on Applied Theatre and the Asylum System in the UK and how we can use theatre in order to create change! I am very excited to (virtually) meet you all, exchange knowledge, interests and ideas! ]]> 2021-07-16 09:01:54 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1652521989 Hello https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1654638620 Hi everyone, my name is Ida, I'm from Copenhagen, Denmark, and I'll be here in Edinburgh for the Contemporary and Scottish literature courses. I'm a recent graduate with an MA in English from the University of Copenhagen, and I'm currently working on PhD applications. I'm so excited to be in Edinburgh and I can't wait to get out of quarantine, start the course, and meet everyone!]]> 2021-07-19 11:01:36 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1654638620 Hello everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1654661576 Hi! My name is Julia Ciasca and I am from the United States. I am super excited to be attending this program in person for the Contemporary literature course. I will be a 4th year accounting undergraduate student at Southern Adventist University this fall.

A few fun things about me:
- I love dogs. I have a King Charles Spaniel back at home.
- My hobbies are baking and cooking. I really enjoy decorating cakes.
- I have barely traveled outside the U.S. but I love adventures and am really stoked to travel and see Scotland.

I am so excited to go on adventures and learn with you all! ]]> 2021-07-19 11:49:00 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1654661576 Hello from Edinburgh! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1654764395 Hi everyone, my name is Dorothy Lawrenson and I'll be tutoring for the online Scottish Literature course. This photo of me was taken a few summers ago when I went to visit Robert Burns' birthplace in Ayrshire. I've recently finished a PhD on twentieth-century poetry, so I'm excited that's going to be our subject in the first tutorial. I hope we'll get to chat a little bit at the online welcome event before then. And feel free to follow me on Twitter @djlawrenson. I'm really looking forward to meeting you all!]]> 2021-07-19 13:51:37 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1654764395 Hello all! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1657094173 My name is Elliott Greene and i'm one of the tutors for the Contemporary Literature module. I am going in to the third year of my PhD in Contemporary Popular Fantasy. I'm from Ireland originally but I've been in Edinburgh for about 5 years now. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone, it's great to see so many people from so many places around the world. I think we're going to have some really interesting discussions next week. See you all then! ]]> 2021-07-21 12:59:43 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1657094173 Hello from a lucky Spanish lady! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1658196150 My name is Isabel Hurtado de Mendoza. I say I am lucky because I am one of the two Edwin Morgan Translation Fellows for 2021.  I am extremely grateful to SUISS and Creative Scotland for this wonderful opportunity to receive a training that will undoubtedly advance my translation career and stand me in great stead to translate Scottish authors for the Spanish market one day! 

Many moons ago, I lived in Edinburgh, where I studied at Heriot-Watt University and worked at the University of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, I will not be coming over this summer, but it will be lovely to meet you all online anyway!]]> 2021-07-22 10:23:04 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1658196150 Hello everyone,I am very much looking forward to the SUISS summer school. My name is Margaret Rigaud and I am a literal translator. Like Isabel I was delighted to receive a SUISS Edwin Morgan Translation Fellowship for the school. I am relishing the prospect of for weeks of good books and interesting discussions. I am particularly keen to discover new Scottish voices, with a view to bringing them to French and francophone readers. It's going to be a great summer! Margaret https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1659271148

]]> 2021-07-23 09:38:39 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1659271148 Hello from sunny Greece.. https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1659538933 I am Fotini and I am so excited about this summer school and the opportunity I was given to be in this group of literature lovers. Literature has always been my passion, my academic field and favourite leisure activity. I am studying in the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and I was so excited when I received a scholarship in order to be here with you, explore literature, exchange knowledge, ideas and dreams. I am looking forward to our classes and discussions.
ps.  'Fotini' in greek means 'bright",  I think this summer experience is going to be bright too! ]]> 2021-07-23 16:47:11 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1659538933 Hi everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1660429457 My name is Gina Gwenffrewi (pronouns: she/her), and I'll be tutoring on the Contemporary Literature course. I've just recently graduated with a PhD in Trans Studies / Eng. Lit, and I'm excited now to be working with you and discovering your thoughts on our fascinating texts. See you soon!]]> 2021-07-25 21:44:34 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1660429457 Hello from Cairo, Egypt! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1660964112 My name is Mayar Nassar and I am thrilled to be with you all here (virtually) in the Contemporary Literature. I am a very very fresh graduate, just finished my degree in Literature with a major in Forensic Linguistics. My exposure to Contemporary Literature has been very minimal throughout my studies, so I am very excited to be exploring a relatively-new area with all of you. 

You can see here a picture of me doing my favorite activity: capturing nature. I love all things camera-related! 

I think these two weeks will be very enriching for me and I can not wait to learn as much as I can. See you very soon! ]]> 2021-07-26 09:57:41 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1660964112 Hello everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1661276228 My name is Mariam ElGallad and I am so happy to attend the Contemporary Literature program. My degree is in English with a minor in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). I am so excited to have a chance to explore contemporary literature especially that the readings have a wide range of writing styles, which is something I haven't been exposed to before. I am also a fresh graduate so I'm happy I'm not letting go of attending lectures so quickly.

I have a huge love for writing and taking pictures. That's why I always love to document small and mundane moments throughout the everyday whether through a writing, a photograph, or both!

I can't wait to see what these two weeks will bring and I am so excited to hear everyone sharing what they have to say especially after meeting everyone in today's session. ]]> 2021-07-26 17:27:47 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1661276228 Hi Everyone :) https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1662473792 Hope you have somehow reached my post. So, I am safaa, literature enthusiast and in love with theatre. Currently working on my MA in drama (huh have many things to read) I wrote many poems but never dared to publish any. I always have a camera with me wherever I go, don't confuse me with a paparazzi but I am just hunting for the perfect landscape. Nice to meet all of you and don't forget to check my photography on instagram @safaa.alsaragna]]> 2021-07-27 22:34:36 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1662473792 Hello everyone:) https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1663028634 I am Pelin from Turkey. I will be attending Scottish Literature course virtually. I am a Ph.D student in the department of English Literature at Karabuk University in Turkey. 

I have had a genuine interest for Scottish Literature since I read some works from Alasdair Gray, Liz Lochhead and Muriel Spark. SUISS offers me a great opportunity to grasp a better understanding of Scottish Literature with a comprehensive reading list. 
Moreover, it is a great chance for us to exchange ideas with people from different countries. I wish I could have joined the classes in person but I have just became a mom and couldn’t leave my lo to anyone even though it is just for two weeks:(
Anyway, this course will surely be both fun and thought-provoking. I cant wait to meet you all. See you soon and stay healthy:)
]]> 2021-07-28 10:48:54 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1663028634 Hi everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1663318790 I’m Irma, I come from Zagreb, Croatia, and I’m really looking forward to attending the Scottish literature course in Edinburgh this August! I am currently in my fourth year of university, I study English literature and culture and the French language. Books are my greatest passion, I love reading and learning about literature and I even hope to pursue a PhD in literature after I get my degree. In addition, I also love writing (I write prose mostly). I am excited to meet you all and can’t wait for the course to start!]]> 2021-07-28 17:27:20 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1663318790 Hi Everyone! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1663956456 My name is Irit and I am from Israel. I have a MA degree in Translation and I love reading and learning new things. 
I have visited Scotland a long time ago and became very interested in the literature, stories and folklore. 
I am also a huge fan of the "Outlander" series (don't laugh).
I hate being photographs, and this was taken when I did not pay attention. :)

]]> 2021-07-29 08:54:51 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1663956456 Hello there! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1664187009 My name is Will and I'm from Kentucky in the United States. I am a senior undergraduate student at the University of Louisville studying Political Science with minors in English Literature, History, and Spanish. 

I'm an avid reader of Kentucky agrarian and poet Wendell Berry, so I'm especially interested in exploring the relationship/tension between urban and rural in modern Scottish literature. This is a picture of myself at my family's farm in Kentucky. I look forward to meeting you all!]]> 2021-07-29 15:18:19 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1664187009 Warm Namaskar from India https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1668569738 Hi everyone, i am so thrilled to join you all here at SUISS 2021 (although a bit sad that i couldn't attend it in person!). I am Pranab Kumar Mandal from India, a PhD student at the Department of English, Jadavpur University, Kolkata  and an Assistant Professor at the Department of English of Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (affiliated to the University of Calcutta) in Kolkata, India. I am a theatre enthusiast and enjoy discussions on theatre and performance studies. I find this to be a great opportunity for me to be able to attend the Theatre and Performance Studies course at SUISS 2021. The earlier summer school i attended on theatre was in Shanghai Theatre Academy, China in 2018. Attending SUISS is another dream-come-true for me and i am so excited...i only wish that i can attend SUISS in person in future.  
I wish everyone a very safe stay during this difficult time. ]]> 2021-08-04 05:24:31 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1668569738 Greetings from Brooklyn! ActingPolitical https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1671263289 I'm thrilled to be joining so many distinguished scholars on this SUISS summer journey!  I'm in the Theatre and Performance course and will be online.  I was hoping to be in one of my favorite cities in the world this summer, but alas, COVID thwarted many of our plans to enjoy Edinburgh.  I was last in Scotland at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018 with a gaggle of multi-ethnic urban teenagers who wrote and performed an original musical entitled "Building Emily Warren," which is the story of Emily Warren Roebling and the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.  They researched prevalent racism, sexism, xenophobia, and worker's rights to produce a glorious show.  I have a background in both theater and wilderness.  I perform at fringe festivals, teach high school (secondary) theater, and work with various theater companies in NYC.  Random fact: I almost attended the University of Edinburgh for their graduate outdoor education program.  Someday I plan on backpacking through Scotland.  If anyone would like to join, let me know when we "see" each other!!!]]> 2021-08-06 18:05:32 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1671263289 Hi from France! https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1671767714 Hi everyone,
I am Julie, from Poitiers in France. I teach English at the university there, and I recently defended my PhD in British literature, focusing on islands in adventure novels, which has led me to explore R.L. Stevenson's works and become interested in Scottish fiction! I am looking to expand my knowledge of contemporary Scottish literature in order to see how it might resonate with late-Victorian works, and SUISS is promising to be a great opportunity to do just that.
I was really disappointed not to be able to attend in person due to quarantine issues as I have fallen in love with Scotland and was really excited to be spending a few weeks in Edinburgh. Maybe next year!
I am, however, very much looking forward to meeting you all and discussing these stimulating texts with you, albeit virtually! See you soon and take care]]> 2021-08-07 18:24:41 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1671767714 Hello everyone! :D https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1671788854 My name is Anastasia, I come from Greece and I am a graduate of the School of English Language and Literature of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. 

By being exposed to drama and theatre during my studies, I could not but become fascinated by the opportunities offered to experimental writing and performance. My focus has been mainly on contemporary theatre and the exploration of selfhood through performance, especially in Beckettian plays. To me, the versatility of theatre as a form of art is what makes it even more challenging and appealing. I truly believe that SUISS will help me explore this aspect even more. 

I am really looking forward to meeting you all and sharing this experience with you, even online!

]]> 2021-08-07 20:09:27 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1671788854 https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672096329 Hi from the Czech Republic.

My name is Šárka Juříková, I am 27 years old and I live in the Czech Republic. I was supposed to attend SUISS Scottish Literature module two years ago, but I couldn't go due to health issues. The organisers defered my attendance but SUISS got cancelled the following year due to covid pandemics. Finally, I am attending it this year, though in online form. I recently graduated from Palacký University in Olomouc and right now, I am looking for a job. I attended modern Scottish literature course at my university and I completely loved it and SUISS seemed to be a great opportunity to broaden my knowledge of Scottish literature. I really look forward to the course, despite the fact that it will be done online. Still, I hope to visit Scotland once the covid pandemics is over and perhaps also attend one (or more) of the festivals held in Edinburgh. ]]> 2021-08-08 16:06:59 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672096329 Hello! julianacdelrosso https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672161796 Hey you!
My name is Juliana. I am a Brazilian actress and I am thrilled to be able to share two weeks with all of you. I took a look at your profiles and I am so excited to listen to your perceptions of everything. :) I wish we could meet in person. Sadly, it will not be possible this year. However, I am pretty sure we will have a fantastic time together.]]> 2021-08-08 20:40:52 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672161796 Greetings everyone! (Brazil) https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672173122 Hey there! This is Vinicius here. I'm 21 and I've been living in Brazil since always. I'm so excited to have this time with you, getting to know one another and learning even more with this experience. I'm looking foward to meeting you, even if it's online only.]]> 2021-08-08 21:35:49 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672173122 Hi wonderful world https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672173357 Hello everyone, The first thing that came to my mind after reading your delightful posts was Miranda's quote, "O Brave new World, that has such people in it." It is delightful to meet all these different people from all over the world. I wish I could have met them in person though; however, listening to all their ideas and seeing how different cultures influence thought is going to be a very enriching experience. My name is Rasha. I am from Cairo, Egypt. I have a Phd in English Literature and I teach it as well. I am interested in literature as well as visual arts. I would like to thank the SUISS Summer School and staff for this opportunity. Looking forward to meeting you this time online and hopefully next time in person.]]> 2021-08-08 21:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672173357 Hello everyone https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672889687 My name is Flora and I'm Brazilian, from Sao Paulo.
I study drama at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), but I've been living in Europe since 2019, first in France where I did an exchange at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle and then with covid my classes in Brazil are online so I'm in Italy until the end of the year working and doing my last semester online.
I can't wait for the course to start. See you soon!!]]> 2021-08-09 13:51:22 UTC https://padlet.com/stjamestayloriii/welcome/wish/1672889687