Postcards from Greece

Athens

Emma Harrod: “It was my first time traveling out of the country and my first experience as a student at South. I sat on the plane thinking, we’re about to walk into a new environment. I don’t even know the students I’m going with — but we’re in this together. “I’ve seen the replica of the Parthenon in Nashville, but to stand in front of the real thing — to see how Greek history shaped leadership and government — was surreal.”

Delphi

Dr. Rick Carter: “We didn’t believe it at first — a man stopped us, recognized the Jaguar logo, and said his father helped dedicate the replica of the Tholos that stands on our campus. “It wasn’t planned; it wasn’t scripted. It just happened. A small-world moment

Thermopylae

Mason Mullaney: “We stopped at the Hot Gates, where the Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 B.C. — King Leonidas and 300 Spartans against hundreds of thousands of Persians. Our guide tied it to leadership and bravery in everyday life.”

Volos (Mount Pelon)

Nolan Crawford: “In Volos, at the University of Thessaly, we met Greek students and talked about how their college life is so different, but also how much we had in common. “It reminded me not to take all of the resources that we enjoy at South for granted. I was never more proud to be a Jag. “The 5-mile climb up Mount Pelion was a leadership lesson disguised as a hike.”

Meteora

Meteora looks Otherwordly, with monasteries balanced on top of high rock pillars. Centuries ago, monks used ropes and pulleys to bring up supplies. These monasteries became strongholds of Greek culture and language during times of occupation.

Kastoria

Ansley Simmons: “Kastoria was special. It’s not a normal tourist area, so we really saw everyday Greek life. That night at our guide’s parents’ house, we had dinner, dancing, Greek singing. It was so real and so authentic. That’s when it hit me: This was once in a lifetime.” Dr. Andi Kent: “Their family had built a tiny church on their property as an act of prayer. We all went inside and lit candles. It was so moving, and it was beautiful to see.”

Vergina

Mary Elizabeth Kent: “We saw the tombs of Phillip II, Alexander the Great and his son. Witnessing the real artifacts — the untouched crowns, armor and carved stones — gave me a profound respect for legacy and leadership. These men shaped nations, and centuries later, their presence still resonates.”

Lefkada (Island)

Kali Johnston: “That was our reward day. The beaches were incredible — the water was freezing, and the waves kept knocking us down, but it was so much fun. We sat by the sea. The fish were nibbling at our blisters. We talked about what we’d learned and how lucky we are to have this community."

Returning Home

Alex Downes: “We ended our trip where we began. After meeting with two representatives from the U.S. Embassy, we got coffee, cherishing the last freddo cappuccinos. It was a bittersweet night. None of us wanted to leave the next morning. What an amazing two weeks!”