Commitment to renewable energy inspiring

The sun was just peaking up over the horizon, its rays like fingers stretching over the barren landscape painting the earth in brilliant shades of reds and oranges. It almost seemed as if I was no longer on this earth but rather transported to another planet. And there in the middle of it all was a billowing white cloud, rising from the rocky landscape and reaching higher into the blood orange sky. This cloud, expelled from the earth, was an indicator of potential, a sign of one of the very things that could save our planet.

Our program in Iceland focused on geology and environmental sustainability. We learned that nearly 100% of Iceland’s electrical energy is generated by renewable energy. As a part of our program, we toured one of Iceland’s six major geothermal plants. It was here we were able to see the inner workings of geothermal energy production and learn of the new projects planned to increase sustainability not only in Iceland but in other areas of the world. Iceland’s commitment and passion to sustainability and production of renewable energy is something I have never experienced before. It has given me much more hope for the future of our world.

I have always known that the importance of implementing sustainability and renewable energy has never been more crucial than now. But what I failed to realize until my trip to Iceland is how much there is to be learned from other perspectives and endeavors when it comes to moving toward a greener earth. If we look at our one country alone, we fail to learn from the success and failures of others, especially when it comes to strategies that will help to bolster our usage of green energy and our work to eliminate fossil fuels. Iceland is one such country that we can look to for not only ideas but also for support in becoming more sustainable.

As a biochemistry and molecular biology major, I have always felt myself being funneled toward a career in medicine and so I have always assumed I would one day pursue a career in medicine whether it be in academia or industry. This program had really sparked my interest and passion for sustainability. I now feel myself wanting to explore how I can utilize my biochemistry degree to aid in environmental sustainability.

Studying abroad provided me with opportunities to open my mind and my eyes, changing how I see the world around me. My trip to Iceland gave me the chance to immerse myself in the unfamiliar and to gain new perspectives of the world that we live in, so that I can become a person who is able to always remain open to new ideas. Ideas that can help me to support and help in the creation of a better world.

Name: Emma Wilson
Status: Sophomore
Majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Troy, Michigan
Program: Glaciers, Geology & Environmental Sustainability in Iceland