My STEP Signature Project was traveling abroad. For this to take place, I was required to take Biological Roots in the UK on the main Columbus Campus and completed the related coursework. In March of 2016, the class ventured to Europe, spending four days in London and another four in Paris. The goal was to learn about the history of science as well as experience the culture of foreign places.

This experience changed me by altering my perspective on a couple different things. For instance, I realized that I took science for granted. I grew up in an age where micro-pipettes, PCR machines, and photosynthesis chambers were commonplace. I never really focused on the geniuses that paved the way for these things to even be possible. Furthermore, I noticed that my view of life was constructed from a narrow lens. We should not compare others to ourselves, but view them within their own sphere of existence.

These realized manifested themselves in several different ways, but we can begin the discussion in science. I found the interactions that most affected me were seeing the humble beginnings of science first hand. For example, on the first day of the trip we traveled to Down House, home of Charles Darwin. Looking at notes in his actual handwriting, and seeing the very desk at which he worked brought a sense of realism to the stories I had learned about in the past. The same can be said for touring Louis Pasteur’s home and looking at his primitive microscopes. Everything I know was discovered by a genius, and I have them to thank for even having the ability to pursue my dreams. I had never realized this before studying abroad.

Secondly, I realized I wanted to become a global citizen. I saw through my own eyes that discoveries, good ideas, and innovation came from every corner of the globe. Discovery knows no race, no socioeconomic situation, nor any ethnicity. This came to me when I visited Oxford University. I sat in the pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Toklein concocted masterpieces, and strolled the halls to see current students studying, and there was sort of an epiphany where I finally understood that no matter where we are from, we all share the same hunger for knowledge.

The moment I became most aware of the fact that I wanted become more globally happened at a hole-in-the-wall bakery in France. My group of friends from the class stopped in for an afternoon snack and we had a lovely waitress who spoke fluent English. None of us spoke French, so it made the encounter quite enjoyable to have her speak with us. We laughed, we joked, and she brought us our food which was “made with love” as she put it. I was happy, but I knew deep down that the lovely interaction because of the woman, not because of me. Had she not known English, a foreign language to her, we would not have spoken and I would not have been able to hear about her life. I wanted more than a simple, “Bonjour!” I wanted to know the places I was visiting. I wanted to be more aware of the world around me. Now, whenever I travel, I will make a more conscious effort to learn the ways of the locals, for the simple interactions are often what makes the experience so excellent.

This transformation is valuable to me as a future doctor, for treating a patient can be easier if all of their experiences and livelihood is factored into treatment. Evaluating one’s background and beliefs is critical to providing helpful, effective care that they are satisfied with. Furthermore, I value innovation and progress, and I long for a higher understanding. I want to make a conscious effort to avoid ethnocentrism, and thinking our way is the only way. STEP has given me the desire to keep growing, learning, understanding, and discovering new intricacies about the world we live in.

A detailed look into my adventure abroad (including pictures!) can be found here: https://u.osu.edu/rootsjournals/carlys-journal/