Hi guys, how's it going? My name is Colin and I've just finished my third year studying accountancy and finance at Strathclyde Uni. Three weeks from now I'll be Boston-bound, embarking on a two-month placement as a portfolio analyst for Liberty Mutual. 

I can't quite believe we're down to the final few weeks, it's all starting to get a little bit real now. I had a flying visit to London on Thursday for the Visa appointment, which was nice to get out of the way. The highlight of the day was rubbing shoulders with Tim Ankers, the runner-up of the recent Junior Apprentice show, on the train down. I don't quite know where he features on the alphabetised scale of celebrity ranking, but it's difficult to be starstruck by someone who's a few years your junior and wearing a startling pair of colourful sandals. 

So now it's just a case of counting down the days. The to-do list includes perfecting the art of tying a tie (20 years and it still eludes me!) and fine-tuning the Scottish accent that I'm told is loved by all Americans. At present it's a bit of an intriguing Campbeltown tcheuchter/Weegie slang hybrid, a bit of work to be done yet! It's also been nice to acclimatise to the anticipated Boston heat a bit earlier than expected, given the positively tropical conditions in Glasgow over the last couple of days.

I've never been to Boston before, but everyone I've talked to raves about the place. My sole visit to the US was a good few years ago, when I was about half my height and the treat of New-York waffles for breakfast was the best thing ever.  I'm sure I'll get a bit more out of this trip! I'm sure the work will be something different to anything I've come across before, but I can't wait to get started and prove myself to be up to the challenge. In moments like these you often look for motivation, to give yourself the confidence needed to achieve the best you can. Some take it from inspirational leaders of the past; Socrates, Churchill, Lombardi. I go to cheesy American films. So to quote one 'Hot' Rod Kimble, "You only have to believe if you wish to achieve."

Cheers.

Colin