Reflections on the McGrath Graduate Student Fellowship: Learning Through Experience

Coming from different disciplines, life experiences, and five different countries, we formed a cohesive group with a shared purpose: to learn, reflect, and advocate for a better world. Everyone brought a unique perspective, and I enjoyed getting to know them while exploring key themes of climate change, justice, and migration. Representing public health on this trip, I found that the interdisciplinary nature of public health aligned beautifully with the fellowship’s interdisciplinary approach—both in the academic diversity of my co-fellows and in the broad scope of the issues we explored, which require multifaceted solutions.

Exploring Cambodia

With the guidance of our local expert, Boreth, we explored not just the historical and cultural richness of the country but also its contemporary challenges and successes. A highlight was visiting Ta Prohm, an ancient temple where nature and architecture intertwine. While Angkor Wat stands as a well-preserved testament to human ingenuity, Ta Prohm tells a different story—one where tree roots weave through centuries-old stone, blending human craftsmanship with nature’s slow reclamation.

Beyond the temples, we engaged with Cambodia’s agricultural sector. In Samraong, we visited a climate-smart agricultural co-op where a local farmer shared how he transitioned to pesticide-free crops—not for profit, but for his own health. His fields were lush and thriving due to his sustainable farming techniques.

Witnessing Climate Change

One of the most impactful moments was visiting the Tonle Sap, a massive freshwater lake that expands and contracts with the seasons. Many Cambodians rely on it for their income, and seafood from the lake provides 60% of the nation’s protein, making it a crucial resource for nutrition. Increasingly, however, the Tonle Sap is under threat from development, dams, pollution, and shifting weather patterns that disrupt its seasonal cycles. Watching a fisherman quietly paddling in the early morning underscored just how much people depend on this resource, and how much is at stake as climate change and environmental degradation impact the region.

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From Cambodia to Capitol Hill: Advocacy in Action

After weekly meetings during the fall semester, the fellowship culminated in a visit to Washington, D.C., where we had the opportunity to meet with Senator Alex Padilla’s office. There, we delivered an advocacy pitch focused on climate change migration, highlighting the urgent need for policy solutions to address the displacement of communities due to environmental factors. Sharing our experience in Cambodia to advocate for environmental justice was empowering. I was able to apply skills learned in my public health policy course and left the meeting even more motivated to pursue a lifelong commitment to advocacy. This meeting reinforced the power of collective action and the importance of elevating voices from areas most affected by climate change—including those within the United States.

A Transformative Experience

This journey expanded my confidence in global collaboration and strengthened my sense of belonging—both at USF and as a global citizen. Meeting so many dedicated individuals, from farmers and guides to advocates, NGO leaders, and policymakers, showed me how change happens incrementally—one farmer, one student, one advocate at a time.

The McGrath Fellowship was more than just an academic opportunity; it was a personal experience that broadened my perspective. Cambodia is more than its history—it’s a place of resilience, creativity, and innovation. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned from this journey, inspired by the people and organizations working every day to build a better, more sustainable world. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this fellowship.