Unfortunately, Scottish Space School 2010 was officially closed on Friday 18th June, around the time of 12 00 hrs. Although it has already been two days since the closure of this event (after a thorough day of resting on Saturday), I wanted to give a final "round-up" of Space School, and how it has (hopefully) changed most people who attended. Space School has been one of the most influential experiences of my life, both in terms of career aspects and, most of all, learning about the person who I see in the mirror every day (I already knew my hair was a mess). I think I have learned more about myself through this past week than I have ever known in my entire life - even though the aim of Space School is to inspire young scientists to pursue "successful" careers in Science and Engineering, something which I have always had embedded in me. I came to Space School not knowing what to expect, and left Space School with set goals to achieve in the future, a career path in science confirmed, and an envy to make home-built rockets. Throughout the week I met really interesting people from all walks of life, with whom I shared a love for science, and engaged in interesting discussions as well as some intense debating when agreements had to be reached for our team project. I didn’t have time to meet all 120 members of the Space School due to the one week time frame in which Space School was set, but I am sure that they are just as fascinating as all of the other people I have encountered during the Space School this year. What I preferred about Space School was the overall kindness and approachability of the organisers, mentors, lecturers/professors and guest speakers. One day I could be asking questions to Gordon McVie about some lecture information; another day to Heather Paul from NASA or Pr. Kevin Warwick from the University of Reading about future developments and research in their respectable fields of expertise - and this connection was just as natural as when talking to friends or other people taking part in the Space School. This approachability made the Space School that much more exciting because you felt like you were being taken to the edge of human knowledge as it is now, and most all, be able to partake in conversations with people who are essentially the leading generation of scientists in the world today as if you had known them for a while, and that really made you appreciate the fascinating gift science is to the world and how incredible an opportunity Space School truly is. It’s only fair to say that everyone would have benefitted from an extra week of Space School @ Strathclyde University, and perhaps extra slices of bacon in the morning for breakfast (please?), but like all good things, they don’t last forever. Space School was certainly an inspirational week for me, as with most people who were selected, but I am predominantly grateful for this experience for the way it has changed me, more significantly the fact that this kind of experience is actually possible for young people our age, for opportunities are hard to find, and I would definitely encourage other youngsters from around the nation to take part in such activities. And so, on Friday 18th June 2010, after prize-givings and thorough reality checks (you could go as far as saying that we really were in space, for the week was too awesome to be true, but you would be interpreting it too metaphorically), I said goodbye to the other members of the Space School in the lecture theatre, some of who were looking forward to their 3-hour train journeys back to their home towns somewhere in Scotland, and wished them all good luck for all of their future endeavours. The bad? Space School was over, so no more lectures, talking to astronauts and professors, living the university life… The good? The thought that you are now in charge of your career path, with many, many choices still left to be made; and that your dreams, no matter how cliché it may sound, do not seem unachievable anymore. I wish I could’ve stayed longer, enjoyed more time with scientist both of the leading and upcoming generation (still left with the feeling that I could've gotten more out of it), but I am eager to start planning ahead for what I will be doing later in my life, and certainly I will try to stay in contact with everyone (especially those in space!). It’s great that programs like this exist for young people like us, and I can safely say that aside the scientific equations and laws that aren’t so enjoyable at times, science really is astonishingly fun! Thank you to the organisers, Gordon, Marianne, as I am sure most people have already said, thank you to all the other “spacers” and good luck to everyone! William Picard