Travel has always been something I’ve dreamed of—not just for the adventure, but for the growth that comes from being in a completely new environment. Being raised by a single mother, international opportunities weren’t always within reach. Now that I’ve been accepted to study abroad in the UK this upcoming September, I’m incredibly excited. At the same time, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can make this experience meaningful—not just for myself, but for the environment and communities I’ll be engaging with.
Sustainability, for me, goes beyond recycling or reducing emissions. It’s about being mindful of how my actions—big and small—affect the spaces I enter. As a pre-med student majoring in neuroscience and medical humanities, I’ve come to understand how deeply intertwined environmental health is with human health. From air quality and food systems to global disease patterns, our planet’s wellbeing shapes the health outcomes of entire populations. Learning this has made sustainability not just an environmental issue, but a medical one too. I view responsible travel as part of my broader commitment to health equity and preventive care. If I hope to become a doctor who serves underserved communities and advocates for public health, I must also be someone who respects and protects the environments that nurture those communities. Sustainability isn’t separate from my goals—it’s embedded in them.
Although I haven’t left for my program yet, I’ve already started making decisions that reflect my commitment to sustainable travel. I plan to pack minimally to reduce unnecessary weight during travel. I’ll be bringing a reusable water bottle, tote bag, and food containers to cut down on single-use plastics while abroad. I’m also planning to use public transportation, walk whenever possible, and support small, local businesses rather than large international chains. These choices might seem small, but they add up—and they align with how I try to live at home, too.
Sustainability is also about relationships. I want to be respectful of the culture and community I’ll be stepping into. I don’t want to be just a visitor; I want to be a thoughtful participant. That means learning about local customs, engaging with people rather than staying in a tourist bubble, and recognizing that I’m a guest in someone else’s space. These ideas connect closely to the UN Sustainable Development Goals—especially Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), but also Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). I want to approach my time abroad with that same mindset of care and mutual respect.
Ultimately, my hope is that this experience pushes me to live even more consciously. I know I won’t be perfect, and I’m still learning, but I’m committed to doing what I can to minimize harm while maximizing connection. Studying abroad isn’t just about academics—it’s an opportunity to grow. And that means asking not just “What can I gain from this?” but also “How can I be responsible with this opportunity?” That’s the mindset I intend to carry with me every step of the way.
