WKU News

For biology major and pre-dental student Molly Roth, college life is about finding the sweet spot between academic rigor and creative exploration. Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, Molly knew she wanted a change of scenery—but not too far from home.

"I’ve been around UK and that environment my whole life, and I really wanted a change," Molly shared. "But I’m a big homebody, so I didn’t want to go too far. When I toured WKU, it already felt like a second home, especially because my older sister went here. From the moment I went on my honors tour, I knew—this is where I’m going to be."

Discovering Opportunity Abroad

Study abroad was always on Molly’s radar, but she hadn’t expected to dive into the experience so soon. "I’d always kind of known I wanted to go abroad, especially at WKU since everyone talks about the programs here," she said. "But I thought I’d wait until I felt settled. Then I got an email about a two-week program, and my advisor encouraged me to apply. I just scrolled through the list and picked one—Global Cuisine and Hospitality. It’s not my major, but I thought, why not?"

That “why not” took her across France and Belgium in summer 2025, where she explored culinary traditions and hospitality practices while drawing surprising connections to her own field. "There’s so much similarity between a chemistry lab and a baking practicum," she laughed. "Measuring ingredients in grams felt just like working in a lab. I loved making pastries—I still have all the recipes saved on my phone."

Beyond the food, Molly valued the chance to meet students from different majors. "Only a quarter of the group were hospitality students, but we all connected. Everyone brought a different perspective, and that made the experience so much richer."

A Creative Balance

Molly’s love of creativity and hands-on work extends far beyond the lab or kitchen. On campus, she finds outlets in both her sorority and the Ceramics Club. "I went to a few ceramics meetings last spring, and it was such a fun way to get creative and use my hands," she said. "Within my sorority, I’m always helping with artistic projects and our big dance competitions. I’ve danced my whole life, so anything involving art or music catches my interest."

Her study abroad experience has inspired her to embrace spontaneity and seek out new challenges. "The big lesson I learned was to put myself out there. I randomly applied to this program, and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. I want to keep doing things like that, finding opportunities outside my major that help me grow in different ways."

Looking Ahead

Molly’s path to dentistry—specifically orthodontics—stems from a personal connection. "I’m the only one in my family who had braces, and I had them for five years," she explained. "I was obsessed with that office. I wanted to know why teeth moved the way they did and see the difference in people’s confidence before and after. That’s what draws me to dentistry—helping people feel good about their smiles."

For her second year on the Hill, Molly’s plans are clear: stay open to new opportunities while staying true to the creative, curious spirit that led her abroad in the first place. "I’m in a very focused major," she said, "but I want to make time for things that flourish me in a different way than academics."

If you’re interested in exploring your study abroad options, start with the Go Global: First Steps sessions with WKU Global: https://www.wku.edu/studyabroad/