For my STEP Signature Project, I enrolled in the Engineering of Ancient Greece, and traveled all across Greece and visited many historical sites. The first week of my class involved a lot of research and presentations regarding the sites we were going to see. The 12 days in country were spent flying, driving, and even ferry boating to many different cities and islands in Greece. We were able to tour most sites and visit a handful of museums.

I am a firm believer that in order to understand people of different cultures, one must travel and experience them firsthand. I think my assumptions of Greece were very different from what I actually experienced. We all think of Mama Mia when we picture those white houses and bright blue roofs. I can tell you that, Greece does not look like that overall. Greece is a beautiful country filled with farmland and dense cities. The warm and welcoming feeling of most of the people there was another aspect I was not expecting. I think after visiting Greece, I can say that I now have a better understanding of the country when people talk about it. Being able to interact with the locals was very fun and I really enjoyed learning their language and experiencing their life for a small amount of time.

Whenever a group of random strangers go aboard for 12 days together, you bet that group of people leaves that country as family. One of the most transformative things I think I am leaving this project with are the friendships and relationships I made with the people in the group. Trips like this make Ohio State feel a little smaller and I love when I can meet new people and be able to experience life with them. Even with the program leaders, I feel like I have been able to establish reliable connections with them and that I will be able to use them as resources for any questions I have going further in my academic and professional career. This trip would not have been as impactful or as transformative without all the people who made it amazing.

When going to another country, in order to really experience the culture, you have to be willing to dive in and be uncomfortable at times. I think a lot of students miss out on great opportunities because they are unable to sit in those uncomfortable feelings. For me, I have learned that if I want to get to know a culture and try new things, I have to be willing to jump in head first. No matter the language barrier, cultural differences, or mistakes I made I experienced Greece and its culture with full intention. I think this helped others when it came to try new things. Whether it be the weird colored food or speaking to a local trying to ask for money, I was able to show others that it was okay to experience new things. Interacting with the locals was definitely a highlight on my trip. I really enjoyed specifically meeting a lady who owned one of the restaurants we ate at in Samos. She was so welcoming and made her restaurant feel like home. Her endless suggestions and conversations were fruitful, and I really learned a lot about her and her culture from them. She is someone I definitely won’t forget when talking about this trip.

Coming home and looking at pictures and remembering the experiences I have had is so fun. I think the most surprising thing for me when we visited those sites was how old they were. The many pillars and slabs of marble we saw was endless but the history and significance behind them all was astounding. It amazed me that some of the pieces we were able to see were from the B.C. era. Being able to experience this really opened up my eyes to more history and significant times I don’t think about too often. In America, we focus a lot on American history and what happened in our most recent past. I have visited Boston and I was amazed there by the richness of their historical presence. But nothing could compare to all the stories Greece has that not many people know about. I am so happy I was able to go a learn a little bit more of the important history of our lives. I hope to return to learn more one day.

I think I chose this study abroad for its significance in my future endeavors. I have traveled and lived abroad in the past and every time I do, I feel like I am at home in a way. After college, I would love to use my engineering degree to work abroad and help those less fortunate than myself. I love experiencing new places and I love living and being with those with cultures that differ from own. This project has added another milestone for me and has allowed me to travel and experience yet another country. This trip proves to me that I have found something I love and I can’t wait to experience many more countries and use my knowledge learned at Ohio State across the globe.