As the temperatures in Crete
increase, so has anxiety. I can feel elements of apprehension all around me—over
the intensity of the program and the politics/economy of the region (in my case,
anxiety stems from the struggle to master the Greek alphabet and the ATM that didn’t return my debit card). At times, the EC EMSS can be overwhelming with the struggle to
balance the stress of course work, everyday activities, current events, and the
excitement of being in beautiful Greece. Time moves rapidly in Crete at the EC
Eastern Mediterranean Program, which seems to make the balance of everything
just a little bit harder.
Nevertheless I think it is
important to value this experience, even if it can be overwhelming, stressful, and dynamic. There is value in the journey. Therefore it is important to engage
in class and excursions, go to the beautiful beaches, local sites, and even if there is a little stress around a map quiz, paper or test. In my first class with with Professor Vamvakas
he briefly mentioned a poem that he liked—Ithaka by C.P. Cavafy. The poem is about valuing process not the goal and being grateful for the journey. It has
always stuck with me and was added to my own list of favorites. The last part
of the poem reads:
Keep Ithaka always in
your mind.
Arriving there is what
you’re destined for.
But don’t hurry the
journey at all.
Better if it lasts for
years,
so you’re old by the time
you reach the island,
wealthy with all you’ve
gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to
make you rich.
Ithaka gave you the
marvelous journey.
Without her you wouldn't
have set out.
She has nothing left to
give you now.
And if you find her poor,
Ithaka won’t have fooled you.
Wise as you will have
become, so full of experience,
you’ll have understood by
then what these Ithakas mean.
Lastly: I’d like to thank Katrina for the “5 stars”
you're welcome
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