Jessica Wetzel, The Ohio State University’s Sustainability in North Queensland 2016 student blogger, writes:

As a second-year student at Ohio State, I was afforded the opportunity to be part of their “Second-year Transformational Experience Program,” through which I attended seminars focused on self-knowledge and development. I was paired with a mentor and learned how to write a grant proposal for the funding of a “transformational experience” of my choice. Having always dreamed of traveling the world, I decided that STEP was the perfect opportunity for me to take advantage of the study abroad programs at Ohio State.

I searched through the hundreds of programs that my school has to offer, and came across the program to North Queensland studying the sustainability of human societies and the environment. After watching a video that a previous attendee compiled, I had goose-bumps ten seconds in. I realized that Australia was my dream destination; from the enchanting, diverse landscape to the warm climate. Additionally, the program studies wildlife; growing up in a rural environment I always loved the outdoors and I began to eagerly anticipate the chance to connect with this very different environment.

My goal became established: I needed to go on this trip. Now, months later, I am ready to depart. I cannot explain my excitement for this adventure. Not only am I leaving my country for the first time, but I am traveling across the world to my dream destination. I am so eager to learn as much as I can on this program. I know that this is an incomparable opportunity for me to grow as a student, world-traveler, and as an individual, and I cannot wait to share the details of my trip with as many people as I can.