鈥淯nder the Apple Tree鈥� Exploring the home of Isaac Newton
Posted on March 1, 2025 by Geneva Avery
In August 2023, when I first began my journey of studying abroad, it started with
a simple search for science related programs. At the time I had just finished an eight
week internship in a laboratory and was at the beginning of my junior year of college,
looking for ways to continue advancing my experiences outside of the classroom. I
knew I wanted to continue on my path of science and medicine being a Biomedical Science
major but I was not sure what opportunities were waiting for me. When I found the
program 鈥淯SA British Contributions to Science and Medicine鈥� I knew whether the title
was fate or a coincidence, I couldn鈥檛 let this opportunity slip by.
From a young age, I have always been fascinated by science and the natural world, with most of my passions revolving around animals and the outdoors. As I have grown, these passions have evolved into dreams of pursuing a career in healthcare, dedicated to helping others through science and medicine. However, as a result of these aspirations, my education has heavily focused on learning concepts, principles, theories, and more that confine me to classrooms and lecture halls. While I enjoy learning and building my knowledge in the traditional academic setting, I found myself wanting more. After two full years in college I was bored with the academic routine I had created for myself and was ready for a change. As I would come to find out, studying abroad would not only refresh and enlighten me academically, but it would open doors professionally preparing me for life after graduation. However, first I found myself standing next to an objectively ordinary apple tree in the countryside of England on a cold, rainy July afternoon.
This apple tree, the tree credited with Newton鈥檚 discovery of gravity, symbolized the essence of curiosity and eagerness to learn that drew me to this program in the first place. Exploring Newton鈥檚 home, observing the copies of handwritten notes left on his desk reminded me that extraordinary ideas often come from the simplest experiences. This experience was only the beginning of what became a transformative journey abroad, reshaping my perspective on the relationship between science, medicine, history, and more. Studying abroad not only encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone but reignited my passion for learning, allowing me to revel in the joy of discovering the unknown.
