In May 2023 and May 2024, Jeremy played a crucial role in supporting the University of Florida’s “UF in Iceland – Renewable Energy and Sustainability” study abroad program. This unique eight-day initiative provides undergraduate and graduate students with firsthand exposure to Iceland’s cutting-edge renewable energy solutions, including geothermal and hydroelectric power.
Jeremy assisted the program director by providing logistical support, ensuring all students were accounted for, monitoring for travel distress such as homesickness, culture shock, or depression, and offering additional insights from his previous experiences. In 2023, he organized “game nights” to foster camaraderie among the students. Jeremy also served as a liaison between the UF International Center and the study abroad group, ensuring smooth communication and logistical coordination.
For Jeremy, this role was particularly rewarding as it marked his first opportunity to travel abroad. Experiencing Iceland’s stunning landscapes and innovative use of renewable resources was inspiring. He was astonished by the students’ engagement, their insightful questions, and the profound impact the trip had on their perspectives. Hearing students describe how the experience broadened their horizons was incredibly fulfilling for him.
A particularly memorable experience for Jeremy was his visit to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. This world-famous geothermal spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lagoon’s milky blue waters are naturally heated by geothermal activity and rich in minerals such as silica. The Blue Lagoon was part of the itinerary in 2023 but he was unable to attend due to a trip-related emergency. It was not included in the 2024 itinerary due to local volcanic activity. After the 2024 trip was over, Jeremy decided to take the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon. In his small, stick-shift rental car, he navigated twisting roads surrounded by fields of fresh lava rock extending infinitely into the horizon in every direction. The Blue Lagoon was amazing—everything he expected and more. The life-changing moment, though, came while travelling the little, recently destroyed, gravel road in the middle of a fresh lava field during an active volcanic period. It reminded him just how fragile, and fleeting, and precious life is. It inspired him to live every moment as full as he could, as frequently as he could, because tomorrow is absolutely not guaranteed.
