Hi, I’m Rachel and work in communications and administration for Generation Scotland.

It might be difficult dancing in a small space but I’m thankful that I can still continue to do it in lockdown.

When I first started my career, I never thought I would be working in population health research. I gained a degree in marine and freshwater biology and worked short contracts in marine science for two years. After some time I realised this wasn’t working out for me.

I ended up finding a role within Generation Scotland and discovered a passion for telling people about the importance of science. This is certainly the part of my job I enjoy the most. I’ve been well supported in my ambitions at work. I’m currently studying part time for an MSc in science communication and public engagement, alongside my full time job. It can be a difficult balancing act but it definitely keeps me busy.

I think lockdown came as shock to the whole team. Thankfully, my MSc was already running online and it wasn’t too difficult to move our work online either. I’ve also been lucky in getting lots of visits from a friendly neighbourhood cat, called Percy, during work.

Unfortunately, my personal life did get turned upside down and I had to adapt my day to day life. Before lockdown, I was out snowboarding and dancing ballet and tap. I also enjoy lots of walks and was looking forward to the coming wakeboarding season. Unfortunately, lockdown put all that on hold. My dance classes ended and I couldn’t go out to enjoy any board sports.

I’ve enjoyed reading a few books in the garden

I’m lucky enough to have a garden, so for the first two weeks of lockdown I found myself going out and spending my time there. I also did a short walk for daily exercise but it wasn’t quite the same. After a while, two of my ballet classes moved online and I got to start enjoying them from home. The limited space can be difficult but my dance teachers and friends have all been supporting each other in finding new ways to use the space.

At the beginning of lockdown I found it quite tough but now I’m beginning to get used to everything. I enjoy working in my home office space and not needed to commute to and from work. I do miss the social interaction though. Online watch parties and ‘pub nights’ with friends can’t replace the real thing.

I am certainly looking forward to a time when I can get back to my usual activities. It’s slowly getting there, wakeboarding facilities are beginning to open and some dance studios are allowing bookings for small groups. How are you finding it?

How I adapted to the new normal / Generation Scotland by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0