Greetings and welcome to my bio! I’m Paul (no funky nicknames as yet, feel free to create one) and I’m about to embark on my very first summer at Augusta. In fact, it will also be my very first time in America……WOOOHOOO!! (excited is an understatement)

So, I present for your reading pleasure, a recap of the previous 7600 days…

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland on a sunny day in June 1990 (apparently the temperature almost hit 50°F). I spent a while as a baby before beginning my 12 year school career. During this time I:
•Collapsed during my school play
•Decided I was going to become an astronaut
•Discovered that Velcro shoes are much superior to lace ups
•Learned to play guitar
•Spent a week learning how to fly
•Sailed to France on a tall ship
•Decided I was going to become a fighter pilot
•Discovered The Beatles (and never once looked back!)
•Was chased through a field by a sheep
•Bought my first car (and named him Peter)
•Learned how to fall gracefully down a mountain (some may call it skiing)
•Decided I was going to become an engineer
•Broke one bone (and tore one ligament)
•Read all 7 Harry Potter books

With my latest career plan in mind, I went to university and began to study Aeronautical Engineering (aka rocket science) before again changing my mind and deciding that I wanted to be a doctor. I’m now in my first year at med school and absolutely LOVING it. I’m often asked “What kind of doctor do you want to be?”. Picture a cross between JD, House and Dr Zoidberg…that’s what I’m aiming for!  My 7601st day has been spent revising the life cycle of the malaria parasite. I had a ham sandwich for lunch and I’m very much looking forward to going skiing tonight!

I try to keep myself as busy as possible. I volunteer as a first aider proving medical cover at a range of sporting and music events which is both incredibly fun and rewarding. I also love going for random days out be it cycling to Loch Lomond, climbing a hill, playing football (soccer) in the park or camping on a beach (usually in freezing conditions!).

Music is a big part of my life. I’ve been playing guitar for around 10 years and I’ve also turned my hand to the piano, harmonica, drums, bagpipes and triangle (although I claim no real talent in any of these!).  My singing voice is non-existent but that doesn’t stop me from being first in the queue for karaoke! My love of The Beatles verges on the ridiculous, listening to their music makes me go all warm and fuzzy inside!

“Well Paul, Scotland seems just wonderful, why would you possibly want to fly 5000 miles to work at Augusta?”

Good question and an incredibly easy one to answer! I’ve always wanted to work at summer camp. I’ve had loads of experience working with young people both through my school and various youth clubs. Their enthusiasm, energy and sense of fun is infectious and I’ve not once had an experience around young people where I didn’t learn something. Why Camp Augusta in particular? Well, I was initially drawn by the incredible activates available and the beautiful surroundings, but I soon discovered Augusta offers soooooo much more than that. Right from the start of my Augusta journey I felt like part of the family. The place oozes with passion, dedication and fun. I already know, even from 5000 miles away, that this summer is going to be the most incredible I’ve ever had.

To the Augustians of 2011 - I can’t wait to learn all about you (yes, you!) and I’m sure you have so much to teach me. In return, I promise to give you every bit of energy and passion I can muster to ensure you have the most amazing summer ever!

P.S. On occasion my excitement may get the better of me. During these times I make noises that sound kind of like English but are totally incomprehensible. If this happens, the term “Haw big yin, haud yer wheesht” should be used. This will set me back on track!