In January, I had the life-changing opportunity to study abroad at New Mexico State University as part of my BSc Business Management degree at the University of Roehampton. I’ve always seen travel as a way to grow—personally, academically, and culturally—but this experience also made me reflect deeply on the environmental impact that comes with international mobility.
While studying in the U.S., I went on a road trip from Las Cruces across the West Coast, East Coast, and even up to Toronto. It was an unforgettable journey, but I made a conscious decision to travel responsibly. I carpooled to reduce emissions, chose fuel-efficient transportation, reused containers to cut down on waste, and stayed in eco-conscious accommodations. I also supported small, local businesses that were environmentally aware—something I now recognize as both a sustainable and entrepreneurial choice.
As a Business Management student, I was able to connect these actions to the broader concepts I’ve studied. For example, learning about human behaviour in organizations helped me understand how to encourage sustainable practices in group settings—like influencing my travel companions to reduce single-use plastics and share resources. My entrepreneurial mindset coursework gave me a deeper appreciation for small businesses and start-ups that are driving green innovation, many of which I intentionally supported during my travels.
In project management, I learned how planning and resource allocation impact outcomes. I applied those principles to my trip, carefully mapping out routes and logistics to reduce unnecessary travel and waste. Studying management functions and processes helped me see sustainability not as a one-off action but as something that should be integrated into every stage of planning, decision-making, and execution—whether for a business or for a personal journey. And in human resource management, I came to understand how values-driven leadership can shape an organization’s culture—which inspired me to lead by example within my international student community at NMSU, promoting recycling and low-impact habits.
All of these experiences and studies helped me align my actions with key UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). I believe these goals are not only relevant to the environment but also essential to the future of business and leadership.
Looking back, I’m proud of the steps I took to make my international placement more sustainable. Looking ahead, I hope to build a career where ethical leadership, innovation, and sustainability are at the heart of everything I do. I don’t just want to travel to experience the world—I want to help protect it.
