Thought for the day 25 September

What will we think about today: students, the Job Support Scheme  – or stockpiling toilet rolls! I know the world has changed a lot since I lived in a Hall of Residence or student flat, but keeping physically distanced etc in such circumstances is very, very difficult. Many a second, third or especially fourth year student looks back to their Bejant/Bejantine or Fresher days with an element of ‘did I really do that? Oh I was so young and naïve then!’ (and as for when you reach the stage of trying to pretend you are middle-aged and respectable…!)  Even the most puritanical of students needs to mix with others for the good of their mental health and to share in the mix of experience, background and outlook that is partly what university or college is all about. This is a very challenging time for students, staff/administrators and families. Let’s offer them our thoughts and support

Lord, it’s easy to criticise, it’s hard to stand in someone else’s shoes. Be with all those trying to handle the situation for students around the country, and be with all students – especially those feeling the strains, stresses and anxieties of having to isolate

Robert Burns 1759-96: The poet Robert Burns was born in 1759, at Alloway in Ayrshire, and died in 1796 in Dumfries.

He was the son of a tenant farmer, who struggled to make ends meet, but instilled in his son a love of learning. Robert too struggled to earn a living as a farmer, and at one stage contemplated emigrating to the West Indies. He eventually became an excise man. He had various affairs with woman, and a number of children with different mothers – but all were very fond of him. He wrote poetry that took much inspiration from everyday country life, but using a mixture of Standard English and Scots he captured human emotions, questions about life, politics and laughing at oneself. He also collected many traditional tunes and songs (sometimes changing the words for ‘polite society’). He visited Dumbarton in 1787 and at Glencairn House was made an Honorary Burgess and Guild Brother.

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