Between Athens and Pangrati

Coming to Athens has been an adventure full of surprises, laughter and bonding. When making my decision to take this trip for J-term it took me until about a week until deadline to turn in my application and make my decision. It was grueling waiting to know if had made it or not and when i was accepted, I was ecstatic! Moving to Parkland was an adventure form coming all the way from Minnesota. I knew no one, i flew by myself to tour the school and fell in love with the campus immediately. I was born in a very rich white suburb in Minnesota and when i moved to Parkland the neighborhood and city took be my surprise. I learned new skills and i was able to usb myself to make friends and to go out of my comfort zone. First semester freshman year was definitely a roller coaster of homesickness and excitement but in the end i still loved PLU.

As the trip approached and a year went by i grew more and more anxious to get on the plane to Greece. Finally, it was time to leave and thus began my adventure to Greece. When we first approached Pangrati (the city where we live) i could see the coffee shops and adventures that waited to be found. I was nervous at first about getting along with everyone on our trip because i could sense the strong personalities coming from multiple people. I was cautious about conflict arising between myself and those around me, but to my surprise i allowed myself to trust in the group and open up to the best of my ability.

The first week in Pangrati has been amazing! Not only have I gotten to know some of the most amazing people that i have ever met, i have found a new family. Through the long walks, laughs, class, day trips and this has been the best week I have had in awhile! I have stretched my identity to not be afraid of letting people in and being more adventurous with food and i know i have so much more to learn about myself and others! I cannot wait for the weeks to come, they won't be long enough!!

S'agapo, 

Alex