Cara Tripodis, Georgia Southern University
My YiaYia (grandma) and papou (grandpa) came to the States from Ikaria to start a new life. I have grown up attending Ikarian Greek conventions and Greek Orthodox Church but I never knew I would feel so connected to my heritage. Before coming to Greece, it was just beautiful water in pictures that seemed unreal. That definitely changed.
I knew that when I heard about DIRECT Greece, I had to go. I just didn’t know it would be the best experience of my life. LeadAbroad has allowed me to experience Greece in ways I used to dream of. The history of Athens was amazing and the sunsets in Santorini are the most incredible thing I have ever seen. I understand why my YiaYia always encouraged me to go to Greece. She told me that I have to go because I need to appreciate my heritage more and I need to improve my Greek. I don’t regret it and my broken Greek is (slowly) improving.
Not only is this the most beautiful place in the world, I am getting to fully experience it all with 37 of the most life changing, humble people. The relationships I have formed in just two short weeks are ones that I’m sure will last for many years. It sounds cheesy to say that coming to Greece with LeadAbroad was the best decision I’ve made but call me white American because it’s 100% true. OPA!!