A Home Away From Home

The summer after my first year of college, I decided to study abroad on Paros Island in Greece. Many thought I was crazy for going with a third party, not knowing any students on the program. However, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only was the program within my budget, but it was the experience of a lifetime. I was able to travel to several different islands and learn about each unique culture and history that still lived in the structures and the museums of the people. I ate fresh fish, dakos, and baklava by the completely clear, transparent water. I painted, wrote about, and photographed my beautiful island for my photography, creative writing, and art classes. Most importantly, I met the most wonderful people, both in my program and on the islands, who I am glad to still call friends. I cannot imagine how different my life would be if I had not studied with Athena in Paros. I would not have met my best friend Ming, a student on the program whom I studied abroad again with in Hawaii. I would not have met Lane, another student who met me in London while I was an intern and he was backpacking Europe. I would not have met Roxani, a local store owner who recommended that I visit her friend's restaurant on Kos while I was visiting after Paros. The list goes on and on... My life is daily impacted by my 2 months in Greece, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone who is prepared to fall in love with Greece more and more every day.