Maybe it’s the hijab. Maybe it’s the skin tone. Maybe it is the fact that I definitely look like I don’t know what I’m doing. But travelling places as a person of colour means you are seen before you are known.
And yet, I still like to travel. Not just travelling between countries, but stereotypes, and cultures, being told that is what defined me.
As a criminology student, I want a meaningful career that actually means something. I want to help people. I want to challenge injustice across the different communities and courtrooms. That’s why studying abroad is so important to me, it is giving me a chance to make the changes I never saw growing up.
I wish I could say justice was that easy but it’s not. It’s not just about the people, it’s about the planet and animals as well. Being political isn’t just about doing what you think is right for yourself, each vote weighs the same in the end. Social inequality and environmental harm are deeply connected. Climate change and pollution hits the most vulnerable first, worsening poverty, displacement and even crime. That’s why I’m committed to making my time abroad as sustainable as possible.
I’ve been researching to the UN Sustainable development goals, especially in my lectures. Goal 13: climate action goal 11: sustainable cities and communities and goal 12: responsible consumption and production closely resonated with me. These will guide my choice before and during my placement.
I plan to:
• Travel light and take direct flights when I can, reducing unnecessary carbon emissions.
• Offset my flight emissions through a climate action program.
• Use public transport, walk or bike around city and campus to avoid rideshares.
• Shop second hand clothes or essentials rather than buying new on trend fashion items.
• Go vegan once a week and eat more plant-based meals to help reduce my footprint.
I’m also hoping to join societies when abroad to connect with international students to share resources and ideas to be more sustainable. I believe small habits like using the app Vinted, recycling, and walking to work can lead to wider change.
I may not fit into every space easily, but that’s exactly why I want to be in those spaces. Not just to be seen, but to stand for something. For justice. For people. For the planet.
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”- Shirley Chisholm.
