There’s something undeniably thrilling about preparing for a journey that spans oceans, a new continent, a new rhythm of life, and a new academic chapter at UCLA. But alongside that excitement comes reflection. I’m not just packing clothes and books, I’m carrying values. As someone who cares deeply about the planet, the choices I make as I travel are as important as the destination itself.
Environmental policy has long been close to my heart, both personally and through my studies in social policy. It shapes how I think, how I live, and how I engage with the world. At home in the UK, I live in a household powered entirely by renewable energy, a quiet, constant reminder that how we live can align with the future we want. We also plant trees in our garden, small green promises to the earth, hoping they’ll grow into something meaningful. These habits reflect my commitment to SDG 13, taking climate action in ways that feel tangible and rooted in daily life.
Flying to the United States isn’t ideal, and I’m under no illusion about the environmental cost. But with family across two continents, long-haul travel is sometimes unavoidable. What I can control is my impact day to day, and that’s where my focus lies. I’ve joined local recycling schemes, make regular use of food-saving apps like Too Good To Go, and avoid unnecessary waste wherever I can. These actions align with SDG 12, encouraging responsible consumption and sustainable habits that are accessible and consistent.
At UCLA, I’ll be living in university halls. While I’m not yet sure what environmental initiatives are in place, I’ll approach my time there with the same consciousness I apply in the UK. I currently rely entirely on public transport and will continue to do so in Los Angeles—using buses and trains for longer journeys and walking or cycling across campus. UCLA’s environment will naturally support this, with its walkable design promoting low-impact living and reflecting the aims of SDG 11, creating more sustainable communities.
What excites me most is the opportunity to see how environmental challenges are approached in a different context. California’s reputation for climate leadership makes it an ideal place to explore the intersection of environmental justice and public policy. I hope to learn from students and academics who share these values and bring that insight back home with me.
This placement is more than academic. It’s a chance to live out my values on a global stage, to stay mindful even when far from home. I know I won’t get everything perfectly right, but I’m committed to doing what I can. Travel doesn’t have to mean treading heavily. With intention, respect, and awareness, it can be done differently.
So I will go with curiosity in my pocket, responsibility in my step, and hope in my hands, knowing that even on the move, I can walk gently. Some footprints, after all, are best left light.
