Yet what stands out most amongst these many adventures are the little moments, moments when a student unexpectedly wrapped me in a bear hug in greeting, when a neighbor or colleague surprised me with a homemade treat, or when their words gave me pause to reconsider my own long-held perspectives. Woven together in a shimmeringly beautiful array of memories, these moments warm me from the inside and brighten my days more than the Mediterranean sun alone ever could. These are memories I will always cherish, even as I continue creating new ones over the coming four months. Those months will hold challenges as I continue to adjust and integrate into my new community, but these bright moments have already shown me I am equal to the challenge.
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to share these challenges and their rewards with you over these past few weeks. Thank you for listening to my stories and for letting your curiosity guide you in asking such thoughtful questions. More than anything, I hope you will keep letting your curiosity guide you! There is so much you can learn from following its lead.
In fact, curiosity about what life is like in Cyprus is what led me here in the first place, and there is no telling where yours might lead you! As a former college adviser, I often helped my high school students research and apply to summer programs, so I know there are many opportunities out there for study abroad, even before college. Believe in yourself and your ability to bring these opportunities and these places within reach through your hard work and dedication in school and beyond.
