Written by Italy & Greece Overseas Educators, Meg & Mary
And that’s a wrap! The Terra group has officially come to the end of its journey. This past week we stayed at Re-green, an amazing village nestled in the mountains of Akrata. The volunteers and village members that live there practice and promote permaculture principles, and were generous enough to let us into their community for a week. Our group absolutely loved movement with Nejma in the morning, walking with Mil in the forest, drumming with Nikos, eating Bijon’s AMAZING food, and learning from Kayil & Debo how to prep garden beds for winter and make our own compost pile.
Student Awards:
We also had many closing ceremonies and reflection activities throughout this week, so we’d like to share the culmination of our trip with those back home following along with our adventures.
Mary and Meg gave each student an award, based on which Greek mythological parent matches their personality and journey of self-discovery:
Elizabeth- Child of Thetis
You are a strong and capable leader, with strong values and morals. Your strong personality and infectious laugh are integral to this group culture. You have a strong sense of justice, a shining intelligence, and sassy cleverness that sets you apart.
Liam- Child of Pan
You have a kind, quiet and wholesome nature that helps the group stay grounded with purpose and gratitude. You are appreciated by all for your ability to lend a hand, be a leader, and ask insightful questions.
Macey- Child of Demeter
A pure soul and kind to all- both nature and people! You are not swayed by negativity, but are a source of goodness and light for your peers. Your interest in gardening and planting goes beyond a hobby, but shows your deep appreciation for the earth and its life giving and healing properties. You show a quiet and gentle leadership that is rare, and much needed in our world.
Lillian- Child of Selene
You are a natural force to be reckoned with! Your moods ebb like the tide, rising and falling- when you’re in a light mood you light up a room but when you tap into your dark side, it can be a bit chilly for those around you.
You can hold a crowd when you are telling stories, much like how we are captivated by the moon’s splendor. You are ambitious and crafty, and know how to get what you want showing the power you hold.
You have many passions and experiences that show the different phases of your life, and you are certainly a memorable and integral part of this community.
Amery- Child of Persephone
Persephone is the goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld- contradictory but both are integral to keeping life in balance. You are brave and take risks, continuing to try things that are not in the realm of the familiar and comfortable people and places you love- and so the duality of the lightness of spring and the grittiness/resilience of the underworld define you well!
Grace- Child of Aphrodite
Your love of love is what makes you a child of Aphrodite. Your tattoo theme revolves around it! Your warm laugh and loving nature set you apart, and your ability to tune into your own and others emotions is impressive.
Kate- Hunter of Artemis
Your growing strength of mind and character is evident- you are on your way to being a brave warrior- however your sweet and kind soul is at your core and is what powers your strength. We know you are a softie at heart, and we love you for it.
Sydney- Daughter of Athena
Your intelligence and ability to discern and interpret the world around you is impressive. You are a role model and a leader for your peers- Athena is the patron saint of so many Greek cities for a reason! You protect those you care about, show fierce determination and skill, and step up to lead when you feel it is just.
Lily- Daughter of Hestia
You seem like you’d be happiest curled up with a cup of tea by a fire. You radiate heat and care for those you care about, always keeping the fire ready at home. You are an integral part to this group, modeling vulnerability and gratitude which keeps our community warm and wholesome. You will bring this sense of home, comfort, and gratitude in all your travels and adventures, to everyone you meet.
Justin- Child of Pandora
You are a child of Pandora, a woman crafted and blessed with gifts by the gods. She was given the gift of curiosity, a trait you exude. This trait allows you to dive deeper into your experiences, and show others the fascinating details of the world around us. And yes, the story goes that Pandora opened her box full of sorrows onto humanity, but don’t forget that the jar still contained “Elpis” or Hope. Even when things get tough, you keep the hope for a better tomorrow alive, and show strength of character to get yourself and your friends to that day.
Final Reflections:
We also had a group wisdom sharing session to reflect on our experiences and create a piece of advice for ourselves and others to take beyond this gap year. Here are our nuggets of wisdom that we have picked up along the way:
“Never be afraid to disappoint others if it means making yourself happy” -Kate
“Keep your heart light, you’ll fly effortlessly”-Mary
“You can handle it”- Lillybeth
“Reflect, don’t regret”- Liam
“There’s always another beautiful, shiny chestnut just up the trail, keep going!” -Meg
“You will never catch back up chasing life, there will always be more that you want” -Justin
“You can only show up for others after you show up for yourself” -Macy
“Try something new because what if you actually like it?” -Elizabeth
“It’s never too late to be happy” -Lillian
“Live your dreams because you only live once” -Sydney
“Life is too short to deny yourself of any positive emotion and too short to deprive others others of witnessing it” -Grace
“You can 10x stronger than you think you are” -Amery
