91社区

I took this photo while standing in the middle of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove during my Honors study abroad trip to Japan. I remember looking up and just being struck by the quiet 鈥� the kind that makes you stop and actually notice where you are. The towering bamboo felt both surreal and grounding, and I wanted to capture that feeling.

This moment reminds me of what the Honors College has pushed me to do: slow down, pay attention, and approach new experiences with curiosity. Studying abroad was not just about seeing a new place; it was about learning to observe differently, to reflect more intentionally, and to be comfortable with the unfamiliar.

This photo matters to me because it marks a shift in how I see the world and my role in it. Looking up at the bamboo felt like a pause in the middle of constant movement. It gave me a moment to take everything in with clarity and presence. That mindset, encouraged by Honors, has stayed with me long after I returned from Japan. 

I looked up and immediately knew I had to take a photo. Stepping into view, I saw the most beautiful church. The lighting was perfect, and I felt drawn to capture the moment. I wanted to preserve both the sight and emotion it stirred in me. This is just one of the many unforgettable moments I experienced through study abroad opportunities offered by the Judy Genshaft Honors College.

My path at the Honors College began when I joined a class called Germany Beyond the Classroom. This class provided a unique experience, introducing students to the country and language prior to traveling to the partner university. The journey led me to step out of my comfort zone, allowing me to connect and engage with people of different age groups and academic disciplines, promoting personal growth and facilitating interdisciplinary interactions. It was an experience that not only deepened my understanding of global cultures, but also expanded my perspective on building meaningful connections with others.

Another reason this trip was so memorable for me is because I have always felt a strong pull to visit Germany. With the last name 鈥淕erman,鈥� people constantly ask if I speak the language. I always laugh and say no 鈥� although I think it would be pretty ironic if I did. This photo was captured during that study abroad experience, a moment I will carry with me forever. It reminds me of the power of curiosity, the value of cultural connection, and the importance of embracing the unknown.

Suspended within the Gothic architecture of Exeter Cathedral, Luke Jerram鈥檚 鈥楳useum of the Moon鈥� installation offered a breathtaking moment of pure wonder, vividly captured in this photograph from my time in England. This unforgettable scene unfolded during the very first official excursion of our study abroad course in Exeter, appropriately titled 'Wonder, Wander, and Belonging,' thoughtfully guided by Dr. Young.

As a key part of our immersive exploration of wonder and place central to the course themes, our cohort spent time studying both the history of the cathedral itself and this stunning art installation. It served as a perfect embodiment of the dynamic experiential learning encouraged by the Honors College; we first explored independently, absorbing the unique atmosphere created by the juxtaposition of ancient faith and contemporary artistry, before a comprehensive guided tour deepened our collective historical and cultural understanding, allowing us to connect intellectually with our surroundings.

Sharing this mesmerizing sight with my entire Honors cohort right at the beginning of our semester was truly special, building a community foundation that set a collaborative and supportive tone for our entire journey together in Exeter. This visual vividly represents the kinds of unique, perspective-shifting opportunities the JGHC has curated for its students abroad, thoughtfully blending academic exploration with cultural immersion, fostering intellectual curiosity, and building a supportive sense of belonging among Honors peers navigating a new world far from home.

This photo was taken at Manatee Spring in Chiefland, 91社区 during a water quality research sampling trip with Dr. Spellman's lab in the USF School of Geosciences. USF and the Judy Genshaft Honors College have allowed me to explore my passions in interdisciplinary ways, build my research and writing skills, and connect with people that have been a key part of my USF and Honors experience.

Because of the support I have received through Honors, I have sought to expand my knowledge and experience through conducting research at USF in my field of interest, water quality. Specifically, this photo is related to a water quality monitoring project that assesses water quality post-storm, an urgent issue during hurricane season in 91社区.

My experience taking various Honors classes have allowed me to improve my research skills and my experience in Honors student organizations, like the USF Climate Teach-In, have allowed me to grow more passionate about the environment. Honors has truly given me a love for research, which I aim to show through this photo!

This is a photo taken at the 91社区 Aquarium during an Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) excursion trip. My friend and I were sitting by a large, round looking window, casually posing for a picture, when out of nowhere, a curious green sea turtle swam right into the frame. It felt like something out of a dream 鈥� the timing so perfect, the scene so peaceful, it almost didn鈥檛 feel real. The way the turtle moved, slowly and deliberately, almost felt like it was acknowledging us too. There was something so peaceful and humbling about that interaction, as if the world had paused just long enough for us to notice and marvel at its quiet magic.

That moment perfectly captures what the Honors LLC has brought into my life: a sense of belonging, curiosity, and adventure. Living on campus has been meaningful, but being part of the Honors LLC has added depth to that experience 鈥� through spontaneous late-night conversations, inspiring and organizing excursion trips like this one, and a community that truly values growth, exploration, and connection.

Experiences like these have helped me feel rooted, inspired, and constantly in awe of the world around me 鈥� and I carry that wonder with me into everything I do.