I've been adopted!

OK, I know that title sounds completely crazy. But, let me explain.

St Andrews has a tradition, where older students 'adopt' younger students and help them settle into university life. It's like your own little family at university. On Raisin Weekend some interesting stuff happens regarding these academic families and I will elaborate on that at a later date. (It involves alcohol and foam.)

So, I have an academic mum and an academic dad. I was adopted before the end of the first week itself. I was sure it would take longer. I met both parents during freshers week events.
We've since had "family" outings and I've met my siblings as well. I have seven siblings on my dad's side (four brothers, three sisters) and only one on my mum's side, but she might adopt more kids.
My 'dad' arranged a pub crawl for his kids last Thursday, and we went around town and got to know each other.  My dad is from northern Ireland and he spent this past summer teaching orphan kids in India. It's cool because he learned a bit of Hindi and randomly says things in Hindi to me, albeit with a northern Irish accent.
On Sunday afternoon I had coffee with 'mum' and sister. That was really nice as well. My mum is from northern California and she was really excited to adopt me. It will  be really nice to be able to see her when I'm in California as well.  My sister Isabel is English and she plays the piano. She's a fresher and is really nice.

It's a cool feeling, having an academic family.  Here's a picture of my family on my dad's side:

Oh, and if you're wondering, the guy in the middle of the picture (grey jacket) is my dad.