Grapes and Gains: A Journey Through Greek Wine and Business by Jozalynn Thrower-Marin, Food Science Major

Traveling to Greece this summer was my first time ever leaving the United States and going on an airplane. I packed up everything I thought needed and soon said goodbye to my family for what would be 6 or so weeks. Even though I have traveled back and forth to college I still get so emotional each time I must be away from home. Before I knew it, 12 long hours had elapsed and I landed safely in Thessaloniki, where I met up with the advisor and some of the other students. Safe to say, my mind was spinning. There were so many thought processes happening. I was proud of myself for the effort I put myself through to be where I was at that moment, but I was also afraid. I did not know what to expect in an entirely new space, and I did not know a word of Greek. That first day was the last day I felt that fear, and ever since I haven't regretted a thing I've done.

On our first day, we were given a tour of The American Farm School. The views from the Princeton Hall building of the Aegean Sea, and around the area were lovely. This study abroad program was hosted by the College on campus, Perrotis College. The community around campus was very welcoming to us, and the idea of us wanting to learn about the region's culture and customs. A very kind lady on that very day told us that our presence on campus strengthened their community. Her words were inspiring, and they motivated me to keep pushing forward.

At Perrotis, I participated in the Greek Wine and Business and the Greek Culture courses. We also were taught Greek phrases and some of the Greek language. As a Food Science student with a minor in International Agriculture, this felt like the perfect way to gain knowledge not only of wine but also of the wine business. Walking into this course I didn't know the first thing about wine except that it is in the sector of fermentation science. I wanted to understand this perspective from a corporation in another country. The United States is a country built off the idea that success means you make profit. From this course I learned deeply about wine from many different wineries, but I also took in the passion the presenter felt towards their craft. I learned the stories from many people and how they got to where they are in their career. Each person had a different path and different interests, but they all had passion and drive in what they did. The Greek Cultures course was instrumental in my understanding of the culture differences between Greece and the United States. This helped me to fully engage in Greek culture and understand different meanings in body language and behaviors. The course went deeper into the customs and beliefs of Greeks.

If I had to explain this experience of my journey to a future employer or supervisor, I’d describe it as a moment in life where I gained valuable skills in cross cultural-communication and adaptability in a new environment. I gained a deeper meaning of life from this trip this summer; my reasons for wanting to go abroad simply started by wanting to be better educated in the culture of another country. Having spent most of my life in America, I have encountered a variety of cultures. However, I believe that immersing myself in the places where these cultures originated from would offer a deeper more meaningful experience. After weeks spent in Greece, I began to learn a lot about myself and my comfort zones. In most places the locals speak the native language of Greek, and communication with different people at times naturally felt frustrating. Soon I began to learn phrases that helped me to communicate with others. Even though it wasn't the best-spoken Greek, people were still grateful that I was practicing and learning the language. By the fourth week, I felt my navigational skills around the different unknown areas were calmer and less panicked. Even when I felt absolutely lost, my friends and I managed to find a way back to the dorms. This growth and new problem-solving methods were the help of peers who did this venture with me. Now I have a completely different outlook on life that trails back to those 6 weeks while I was away.

My favorite part of the trip had to be during orientation week when we traveled to see a lot of Greece. We took a bus from campus near Thessaloniki, and made the trip to Meteora, and the scenery was beautiful. The monasteries there were on these high cliffs. It's important in these sacred places that women have their shoulders and knees covered and men have their knees covered. Knowing this information now, on my next adventure I'll be sure to buy a proper dress for the occasion. After spending some time there, we went to Trikala to settle for the night and get dinner. The next morning it was a 5-hour bus ride to Athens. Athens was a part of the trip that I was very excited to see. Most of the Greek artifacts that stay in Greece are in Athens, and I was so intrigued about every part of it. From climbing Acropolis hill and seeing all the shops to experiencing the different towns and just how lively they are, I loved it all. The Wine Business class flew from Athens to Santorini, one of the many islands, for several wine tastings. Wine tastings were another first for me. The Santorini trip was captivating. While some of those places are crowded with travelers, the architecture and the views were breathtaking. That first week was the most I ever traveled in such in short time. It was the best experiences I had through the duration of my time in Greece.

The advisors and faculty were extremely helpful in the experience; without their guidance through the 6 weeks, I would have been lost. With the help of the college, I was able to see and understand the beauty of Greece on a deeper level. Hopefully one day given the chance, my life will take me back.