Zean She
This photo was taken in Pollok Country Park this March. I was using my CCD-camera and lucky that the weather was beautiful on my first visit there, and it left me with some really special memories.
My hometown is a coastal city in southern China. It’s always lively, with busy streets full of people and traffic. When I was little, my grandpa often took me to a big park full of old trees on weekends. He taught me the names of those trees and told me stories about their history. To me, what makes my hometown special is that feeling of being connected to the past. You can be walking down a modern street and suddenly see a city wall that’s hundreds of years old. It’s like the past and present are woven together—a feeling that history is still part of everyday life.
When I first came to Glasgow to study, it took me some time to adjust. Everything was new—the environment, my classes—and sometimes I felt a bit homesick. Then, in March, I found Pollok Country Park.
The moment I stepped inside, I felt a sense of calm. There were wide green lawns, old trees, and a small river running through. The air was fresh, birds were singing, and lots of people were walking their dogs. It reminded me of those peaceful walks with my grandpa when I was a child. Even though the two parks look nothing alike, they give me the same feeling of peace and comfort. There’s also an old house in the park—Pollok House—and seeing it made me feel that Glasgow, too, has its own stories to tell.
What I like most about living in Glasgow is the pace of life here. You can really focus on your own things, and as an international student, I’ve learned to appreciate that sense of independence. My days are filled with classes, reading, and discussions with classmates—it’s a busy but fulfilling life. Whenever I feel tired or a bit lonely, I come to Pollok Park for a walk. Strolling around, sitting on a bench with a book, or just daydreaming for a while always makes me feel better. It’s like my own “secret base” in Glasgow—a place where I can relax and recharge.
On those rare sunny days in Scotland, I love going there with friends for a picnic. We watch the Highland cows, chat about our studies, and share stories about our hometowns. Sometimes I go alone, even if it’s just for a short walk. This park has really helped me feel at home in Glasgow.
For me, Pollok Park is more than just a beautiful place. It’s like a bridge between my past and my present. It gives me a quiet space to rest during my busy student life, and I’m truly grateful to have found a place like this here in Glasgow.