“Traveling the world has always been one of my biggest dreams, but I had no clue how this dream would become a reality one day. Ever since I was twelve years old, I had listed my 5 top countries to visit which are: Greece, France, Spain, Israel and Italy. I honestly never thought that I would be able to climb those big mountains in front of me or break down those bridges to live this dream one day. I know some people may ask why did I have fears or why did I think negatively about my dreams? Well, it is understandable when I am originally form one of the poorest countries in the world and since I am a first-generation college student. Where would I get money to afford a trip to Greece or France or Italy? Even when I get a loan how am I going to do that? I am working full time plus I am a full-time student. Will I be able to get time off from school and work at the same time…not to mention the fear of flying! There were so many questions that I couldn’t answer until I came across this amazing program “Study abroad” at St Petersburg College.
Study abroad at SPC is a fascinating program that allows students to study around the world. Study abroad not only helps students to learn from a new culture, but there is also financial aid available. I can visit another country, have fun, enjoy life, get my 3 credits done and I don’t have to worry too much about money? Who would not want to take advantage of this? I don’t think anyone would not take advantage of this! I decided to sign up for Greece. Yes, that’s right! Greece, the cradle of western civilization, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, “my dream trip”. This adventure lasted 10 days, too short but exciting! On May 4th, 2018 it seemed that we arrived in Kalymnos, a paradise on earth. It was hard for me to believe that I was there on that beautiful island.
Arriving to the hotel, the view from my balcony was everything I needed to fill my heart with joy and happiness. From there, I could explore the beauty of the ocean on the east coast. The water was so blue that I could see the fish. I could also admire the restaurants in the other sides of the island and listen to the people talking Greek down the street. The excitement overwhelmed me in a way that I didn’t know what to do or where to go. The next morning, the tour guide took us for a walk in the mid-town and we visited the Archeological museum of Kalymnos. It was fun to walk in the street and say “Kalimera” to everyone I encountered. The people in Kalymnos are nice, and the island is clean and quiet. I felt at peace with myself during my stay in Kalymnos and was able not to worry about anything while living in the moment. Every day was an exciting new adventure: we took a ferry to visit another island close to Kalymnos,” Tolendos” it is extraordinary gorgeous with beautiful mountains. We visited the “Agia Triada Early Christian Church” that was demolished during the earthquake in 554 B.C. It was a blessing for me to learn about the spirit of the ancient Greeks. When it was time for me to say goodbye to Kalymnos, I was heartbroken, but deep inside of me I made the promise to come back on my own.
Arriving in Athens was completely different than Kalymnos. Athens is a big city, well known as the intellectual center of Greece and was very busy and beautiful. I have never visited New York before, but Athens looked just like New York from what I have seen on TV. Graffiti all over the city and beautiful restaurants with live bands playing music were common sites in Athens. There were museums and historical sites that helped me understand early civilization and the Greek culture, religion and their beliefs. I was overwhelmed when I visited the famous Acropolis and the huge palace, “Epidaurus,” dated 330 B.C. This site is one of the most complete ancient Greek sanctuaries and is composed of the theater, the temple, the Tholos, the Enkoimeterion, the Propylaea, the Banqueting Hall, the baths and the hospital facilities. Being able to walk on the land where the great western philosophers worked was everything for me. As I am writing this journal, I am wondering if I listed each place I visited, or detailed every second that I spent in Greece? Would this be enough to describe my trip? Certainly not because there is no word that can perfectly describe this life-changing adventure!
I recommend anyone considering study abroad to try this incredible adventure. I encourage each student who has the same dream as me to live this dream and make it a reality. I am ready to discover the world with study abroad. I can not wait for my next trip.”-Carine Jocelyn-Severe, SPC Student, Greece 2018