Beyond Borders: A Story of Self-Transformation
Major
Biology
Second Major
Sociology
Minor(s)
Leadership Studies
Advisor
Johnson, Heather
Advisor Department
Honors Program
Date
4-2025
Abstract
Studying abroad provides students with the opportunity to experience immense growth. On a mission to expand my own perspectives, I decided to spend the Spring of 2024 studying abroad, with a semester split between India, Argentina, and South Africa. During this time, I captured my experiences through photos and videos, which I later compiled into a short film that I wrote, edited and polished. This project pushed me beyond my usual style of research-based writing and challenged me to explore new ways of storytelling through a personal, non-fiction narrative.
My documentary follows my exploration of healthcare systems in these diverse countries. Living with homestay families and immersing myself in the culture and community revealed the incredible role that human connection plays in addressing health outcomes and building strength. All three countries demonstrated significant levels of social stratification, revealing the history of injustice. However, across cultures the strongest force against injustice is the resilience of the community. Learning about this injustice and witnessing the lasting effects was emotionally challenging, but the strong human connections around me continually strengthened my belief in the power of love and community. My semester abroad transformed me in valuable ways. My growth and transformation has pushed me to approach my future career as an MD understanding the power of human connection. My drive to approach medicine from an interdisciplinary approach will allow me to make lasting changes to policy that empower underrepresented communities.