Not many people get the opportunity to visit a country literally halfway around the world, but that is exactly what I was given the chance to do. I’ve known many students who have studied abroad here in Paros, Greece, but never did I think I would be stepping foot in Greece. When I first heard about others’ experiences, I thought to myself, “I would love to, but I would be too scared to. Plus, that would be just that much more money being spent on college.” Luckily, I have some amazingly encouraging friends.
Patrick Bellido-Choy and Jared Brown both visited Paros the year before and they shared incredible stories of their adventures. It is only because of them and their encouragement that I took the leap and decided to apply for this study abroad program. It is because of them that I am having the time of my life, adventuring, and creating stories of my own here on Paros.
There was no reason to fear coming to a foreign country and meeting foreign faces who spoke foreign languages. Paros has opened its arms and embraced us, just as the people who live here have done. In addition, the students alongside me and the professors who have all traveled with me have kept me floating above water while swimming in this sea of unknown territory. It makes it easier having students next to me who are just as clueless. The eight of us can lean on each other to help one another when the waters get rough. The professors obviously know what they are doing but asking them all the answers wouldn’t be the type of exploring we came here to do.
Today in particular was one that the group had to learn to lean on one another. We had to rely on one another and not let a single member lag behind. Today the twelve of us went kayaking in the Mediterranean Sea. We used tandem kayaks, meaning each of us had to work closely with another member of the group. Most of the group not only had to learn how to kayak but had to learn to work with someone and communicate when to paddle and where to steer. We, the group, experienced an extreme bonding exercise that only the closest of friends could experience. That is something that can be said about the entire abroad experience thus far.
Friends are most of the reason we do what we do. We simply must let our friends influence us in the most positive ways. Let them push us to be who we want to be, do what we want to do, and go where we want to go. I thought I would be too scared or just unable to visit a strange place and speak to strange people, but here I am. Studying abroad has helped me find eleven new friends from the states and many more from Paros. I now know that if put in the same position as Patrick or Jared, I will push someone to follow what they truly want to do. I won’t let a friend silence their dreams. Friends are important.
Written by Matthew Marret