When I first got involved in the UNICEF Student Team in Utrecht, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of what I was stepping into. It started with a simple event—a bottle collection across the city. On the surface, it felt small. A handful of students, a growing pile of recyclables, a few euros raised. But then, that effort transformed into something bigger—tangible support for communities in need. What started as a simple collection drive became funding that contributed to climate-smart villages in Madagascar and emergency aid for Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine. More than just an event, this experience showed me that no action exists in isolation. Every effort, no matter how small, has the potential to build momentum, create change, and leave a lasting impact far beyond what we can see in the moment. A local action became a global impact. A moment became a movement.
Beyond the direct outcomes, what stayed with me most were the connections. Conversations with like-minded people, moments of collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose that stretched far beyond individual effort. Through this, I learned that action doesn’t just create change in the world; it transforms the person who takes it. It builds community, opens doors to new perspectives, and fosters gratitude for the ways we can show up for others.
My exchange year at Utrecht University has reinforced this understanding in so many ways. Studying sustainability and environmental management at the University of Leeds, I’ve always been drawn to the tangible ways we can reshape the systems around us. But my time in Utrecht has expanded that perspective—through interdisciplinary courses that challenge traditional approaches, leadership roles in student associations, and opportunities to step outside my comfort zone. I’ve explored the intersections of human rights, refined analytical skills in sustainable resource use, and, most importantly, discovered the power of grassroots action.
The ripple effect is real. It reminds us that impact isn’t always immediate or measurable in grand numbers. It lives in the relationships we form, the ideas we exchange, and the quiet ways our efforts extend beyond us. And sometimes, all it takes to begin is the willingness to step in.
