Spectacular Santorini

Today was our third day in Santorini and I think I speak for everyone when I say it was an absolute blast! Most of us decided to explore the unique beaches of the island. The first one we went to was the Red Beach. We arrived by bus and had to hike for about five minutes to actually get to the area. The red, rocky beach was surrounded by immense reddish brown cliffs – quite different from what we normally see! After a couple of hours in the hot sun and swimming in the refreshing ocean, our group decided to explore other parts of the island. Some of us went to the local wineries, and others (including myself) went to Kamari, the Black Beach, to spend the rest of the day. This was by far my favorite beach. The pristine black pebble beach was bordered by quaint little outdoor restaurants and cute shops selling jewelry, clothes, souvenirs, etc. The best part of this beach are the cliffs that line the edge of the beach – perfect for cliff jumping! In light of that, a few friends and I made our way over to the jagged cliffs to try it out for ourselves. Surprisingly, it was quite scary! With the encouragement of a few locals, we jumped off the edge into the crystal clear, emerald – blue sea. After doing our adventurous activity for the day, we laid on the beach for some time just enjoying the sun and one of our last days together. What a wonderful last day in Santorini! Tonight should be amazing as well…we can’t wait to get it started!

Brooke Lane

Another Ferry Ride

Today we sadly packed our things and said a sad goodbye to Santorini. Today marks the 10^th ferry ride of our trip. We have all become avid sailors and hardly ever suffer from seasickness anymore. We are all so excited to see what exactly is in store for us in Mykonos. We have heard so many stories about it from the locals. It is a bittersweet feeling as the trip’s end is nearing. We have all had so much fun traveling around the Greek islands but there are just some family members and things that we are all missing. We are all going to look back and remember this summer as being packed with adventure and meeting tons of new friends.

Ali Dyson

Don't Just Go

Life is filled with moments. Some may be just the blink of an eye, seemingly insignificant, and others can change you forever. However, I have found that the most inspiring, earth-shattering moments are those that leave you breathless and wanting more.

The days have begun to run together like thin water colors, but the moments remain bold—whether sailing from the island of Crete to the sheer cliff faces of Santorini or leaping from boulders into the icy sea, savoring the applause from locals and travelers alike. Two days later, and I am amazed at all the things I have done here in Santorini. I have slept in the sun on black sand beaches, explored the chasms and mysteries of an ancient volcano, breast stroked in the hot springs, and climbed the winding roads of Kamari to the ancient city of Thira in pursuit of geocache treasure. However, for me, one moment has defined my experience in Greece.

After a day of non-stop going, of adventure, of heat, a group of us sat on a crumbling brick wall, high above the caldera and watched as the orange sun sank into the haze of the waves. To my right, white washed buildings jutted out of the rock, domed in brilliant blue and bathed in crisp green lemon trees and purple bogenvelia, and over my left shoulder islands floated in the mist. Hundreds of feet below my dangling nikes, the harbor unfurled and little orange and blue sailboats cruised the coast, yet the most awe inspiring view was directly ahead. The sea undulated blue upon blue, rolling and falling like the breathing belly of the earth and the sun hung by an invisible string, lowered to sleep by God’s hand. All around me there was commotion—tourists taking photographs, chattering children, and couples holding hands, laughing, yet within me there was silence and resolution. Time stood still. As the crowds began to fade, after the sun had dipped below the curve of the world, a few of us remained to watch the lights come on in the city and the stars burn in the dark sky. Listening to Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah and enjoying the moment with a few close friends, I felt full, not just content or satisfied, but filled with joy and purpose.

After experiencing a moment like this, I can exhale—truly release and reflect. My advice for all of you would be to get up, right now, and exhale. Don’t watch, as your life slips away beneath the curve of the world, don’t wait for opportunity and direction—stand up, go out, and find it. As my amazing friends here have taught me, have a sense of humor, especially concerning your shortcomings. Give yourself enough time to enjoy life. Don’t just learn, understand; don’t settle for happy, feel joy; and don’t solely exist in space, live in love and faith.

Don’t just go. Lead.

-Annie Herndon

One WIld Ride

Today we went on a boat tour of Santorini. We first went to a volcano that we hiked up. It was really strenuous because of the heat, but getting to the top was worth it. On this trip I have felt such wonderful feelings of accomplishment, and today I felt another after hiking the volcano. Next, we sailed to the hot springs, which were actually not too hot. After that, we went to Ia, which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. To get to the actual town we had the option to either hike or ride a donkey to it. Since I have never ridden a donkey, I decided to try it. It was a decision I will probably never try again. I was more terrified going up that mountain on a donkey than I was when I went bungee jumping in Corinth. It was a wind ride! However, once we got up to Ia, it was extremely picturesque and beautiful. We went shopping and saw some of the most creative and wonderful pieces of art around the town. There were canvas paintings of Santorini, glass-blown ornaments, and exquisite Greek coin necklaces. The people in Ia were extremely kind and accommodating as well. As our day ended, we headed a beautiful church to watch the sunset over the water. Unfortunately, we had to leave after the sunset, and made our way back to the hotel.

Today was so wonderful but every time I look at my clock on my phone I realize what day it is. It is June 13, meaning that we only have 7 days left on our amazing trip. We have learned so much on this trip about Greece, service, leadership, and most of all, ourselves. This trip has really made me take a hard look at myself and see how I can improve myself to become the person I want to be. I know that everyone else has felt this way too. While we may not be in a traditional classroom, the lessons I have learned are so much more valuable than anything I have ever experienced. My biggest hope for this group of leaders is that we can all take back what we have learned here, and help to make the world a better place each day.

Austin Bloom

What Matter's Now?

You failed. You messed up. No matter how much you soak in disappointment or despair, life will not stop for you. The sun will still tomorrow. The music will still play, and the beat goes on. So what matters now? Rhythm. It’s what makes or breaks a dancer. You may have the ability to count the most intricate beats, you may have the most graceful pirouettes, you may have lightning fast footwork, or you may have the crunkest moves the street has seen, but if you don’t have rhythm you have nothing. Even when your foot slips, your heal breaks, and you mess up, if you mess up on beat, you still look fly…and now you just have a whole new dance move. Life is nothing but a mind blowing, heart stopping, oh my God…I think I’m about to blow my speakers out kind of beat. Listen to the beat. When you’re done, listen to it again…because this beat never stops. Do not let the beat be your master, and do not try to make the beat your servant no matter how much your pride insists on it. Let the beat sink into your bones, and wait…make sure you still here it thumping. Have the courage to let it sink deeper into your into your heart, and then let it marinate your soul. As your body effortlessly moves in a trance with the beat, you will feel the rhythm you were made to dance to. It does not matter how badly you mess up or fail in life. Just listen to the beat. All that matters is that you keep dancing with your rhythm. If you feel lost, take the intensity down and do the “white boy shuffle” for a minute. If you have truly found your own rhythm, it will come back to you. You will fall on beat, and your failure will become a part of your dance. Rhythm. Be grateful for it. Without this beautiful gift, your failure has no hope of redemption. Right now I have failed. I have fallen and I have messed up. What matters now? The unyielding strength of my Rhythm. So failure where is your sting? You might be strong, but I am stronger. Your resulting shame might last long, but I can dance longer. I will not try to pretend you do not exist, or avoid your consequences. I will let you dance to the beat, but you will do it with my rhythm, and this rhythm will redeem you. Failure, when I am done with you, I will have an awesome new dance move. I will not stop dancing, because the beat will always go on.

Amrutha Renganathan

Last Leadership Lesson

Today was our last day of lecture and our last day in Crete. Vince and Barbara shared many great stories and lessons on leadership with us and Kevin did a great job tying everything back together. Here are 10 of my takeaways from leadership week.

1. Prepare yourself to be lucky
2. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
3. Speed of trust = Speed of change
4. Authentic Happiness = Family, Faith, Friends, “Flair”
5. Attitude is the only thing you can control in life
6. “Women are the thermostat of their family” -Barbara Dooley
7. “If money can solve it or cure it, it’s not a problem” -Vince Dooley
8. Adversity if not the exception, it’s the rule
9. We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give!
10. “Big Team, Little Me” -Vince Dooley

Rachel Harwood

Never Give Up!

Today was a fantastic day in Crete, Greece. We began our day with a few of the most inspirational speakers I have ever had the privilege of hearing. The kick off was from Coach Vince Dooley. He spoke to us yesterday about “building a team,” but today he coached us on the importance of trust. He said that the more value placed in our aspirations, the better we will perform. Dr. Betty Siegel followed Coach Dooley with what it means to be a true leader: trust, respect for difference, and optimism. She, of course, had some hilarious stories and examples to share with us.

Our last speaker, Mrs. Barbara Dooley talked to us about overcoming obstacles. She was able to make us laugh and cry, and I know her talk meant more to me than she could have ever imagined. I have chosen my life in three words to be “never give up” after Mrs. Barbara Dooley. She inspired us today to keep going no matter what by keeping a good attitude, setting goals to complete, keeping our integrity, and staying true to our faith. She taught us that no matter how hard and rough life may seem, it’s never worth giving up the fight. She was an excellent speaker, and I know now that I want to live everyday with Mrs. Barbara’s perspective.

After our class, our room was fortunate enough to have lunch with the Dooleys, Siegels, and our current teacher in residence, Dr. Sandra Whitney. It was probably one of the best meals that I have had while in Greece, for both the company and food. Mrs. Dooley is one of the most amazing women I have ever met, and with her there is never a dull moment. I thoroughly enjoyed lunch, discussing everything from books, plants, and the current UGA administration with all of our elders. It was a blast, and I hope to keep contact when we return to Athens, Georgia!

I know most of us are dreading have to write our paper that is due Sunday, but we have to get it out of the way so that we can enjoy Santorini!! I’m extremely excited about riding the donkey, volcano tour, and jumping into the hot springs once we get there (so I better get this paper done ASAP). I have enjoyed our time here in Crete, but I’m definitely going to miss our front desk host, George. At least we are Facebook friends so that I can look him up when I come back to Greece. Off I go to start on my paper….or maybe just go to the pool for a little while.

Ali Dyson