Submitted by Sarah Tobin on the 2022 winter session program in Greece sponsored by the Department of English…
Generally, my favorite visits have always been climbing up mountain terrains. The act of starting from the bottom of something and trekking to the top makes the 360 views all the more worth it. I think that the climb itself is symbolic of life. The terrain is always changing, there are moments where it felt as if I was walking straight up on uneven rocks, finding it hard to catch my breath; to then find myself minutes later in open, smooth grassy areas experiencing something so serene I almost have to pinch myself. This is a reminder that not everything in life is going to be easy, but there is always light on the other side. Throughout our journeys up these mountains, we are surrounded by ancient ruins or medieval castles reminding us to appreciate all of those that came before us. We are not alone in this world, and it is beneficial to learn from one another. There were moments when I would be hiking with a small group of girls so I was able to enjoy the company and go through this experience as a class. Then there were moments, just like in life, where I was alone, relying on just my mindset to push myself. Whether I was with people or not, I found moments to sit and appreciate where I was in that exact moment in time.
The multitude of different hikes and mountains we have encountered highlight that our life is not just about one destination – it is about many. Each journey having its own ups and downs forcing us to face the challenges head on. These experiences have given me moments to sit and think about what I want to do and where I want to go in life. From each mountain, I have learned that life is about the happening, about the hiking in another sense. That it is not what is at the top of the mountain, but how you handle yourself through the tough moments and the gratitude you express in the calm. To stop, breathe, and take everything in. While I may not know exactly what it is that I want to do with my life, yet I have immense appreciation for everything I have done thus far. With graduation in the spring, I release any anxiety of what is coming and embrace the unknown with hope and enthusiasm for my next adventure in life.
There is something so humbling about truly feeling your size in this great big world. Being just 5’5″ surrounded by mountains taller than skyscrapers, I feel grounded. Connected not just to the earth beneath my feet, but to the whole ecosystem around me. Breathing in the crisp air, standing solid on hard rocks, and feeling the cool wind push me forward, I journey on. Pausing for moments every now and then to take it all in. I express my gratitude for not just being in Greece, but being on this earth at this time, living my life.
