When I board my flight from Brisbane to Manchester in September 2026, I will carry more than a suitcase. I will carry the lessons of the places that have shaped me, the responsibility that comes with international travel, and a curiosity to understand the world beyond my own experiences.
Growing up in the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, I was surrounded by a strong connection to Country, community, and the natural environment. Studying and living at the University of Queensland was my first step beyond the familiarity of home, teaching me that leaving a place does not mean leaving behind what it has given you. My exchange at the University of Manchester is the next step in my commitment to travelling with purpose.
As a Torres Strait Islander student studying criminology and criminal justice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies and sociology, sustainability is more than an environmental responsibility to me. It represents a relationship between people, communities, culture and Country. Indigenous knowledge systems have long recognised the importance of caring for land and sea and considering the impact of our actions on future generations, values that align strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations, 2015).
Although my academic focus at Manchester will centre on sociology and criminology, this exchange lets me engage with my Indigenous studies major through a global lens. I am particularly excited by the Environment and Society course, exploring how environmental challenges intersect with communities and inequality. I also hope to volunteer within the local Manchester community, contributing to the place that hosts me rather than simply passing through it.
I recognise that international travel carries an environmental impact, particularly through long-distance air travel. However, I believe sustainability is defined not by a single journey but by the choices made throughout the experience. By living in Manchester for a full academic year, I hope to immerse myself meaningfully in the local community while reducing unnecessary travel, prioritising walking and public transport by using the UK’s rail networks wherever possible.
My commitment to sustainability will continue through everyday choices, as it does in Australia. I will use a reusable water bottle, keep my study materials digital, minimise waste, recycle responsibly and support local businesses. These actions align with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action), reflecting sustainability as both an environmental and social responsibility (United Nations, 2015; UNESCO, 2020).
When I return to Australia, I hope to bring home more than memories: a deeper understanding of the world, new perspectives on justice and society, and a renewed commitment to positive change. For me, travelling sustainably is not about leaving no footprint; it is about ensuring the footprint I leave is one of learning, respect and connection.
References:
UNESCO. (2020). Education for sustainable development: a roadmap. In UNESCO eBooks. https://doi.org/10.54675/yfre1448
United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Department of Economic and Social Affairs – Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
