Hello from Crete! This is Will from the Studio Art in Athens program. Studying abroad has gone by so fast; our three week program will be over next week. I've had so many awesome experiences in Greece, from visiting the island of Spetses and Hydra to swimming in the Mediterranean and visiting contemporary art museums. Two of my favorite moments so far have to be watching the sunrise at a beach on Spetses and having a very cute and friendly cat visitor during lunch!
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Since I last posted, I haven't encountered any other hurdles regarding my identities. Initially, I was worried about what my time abroad could look like if my depression hit hard, especially since I'm away from my loved ones and support systems. However, I think the busy schedule of sightseeing, making art, and socializing has been what I need to help prevent those thoughts and feelings from accumulating.
As someone who is also traveling by myself for the first time, being able to connect with my classmates on this trip has also been a great distraction to combat homesickness. Although I haven't felt homesick, I've missed my loved ones back home; with this came an unexpected feeling of FOMO. Back in Eugene, a lot of my friends are currently moving into their apartments or dorms. Normally, these move-in days happen at a perfect time to have long hangouts before classes start. As far as combating this, I've found that setting aside specific times to call and text loved ones, especially since the time differences are very different, has helped me feel more connected and in-the-loop with things going on back home.
Another (unexpected) thing I've found that helps this feeling of disconnect is keeping a lookout for souvenirs, or seeing gifts or sights that remind me of a loved one. Surprisingly, imagining how one of my loved ones will react to their souvenir when I return home or just keeping them in my thoughts has been very comforting for me, and has helped remind me that I'll be able to catch up with them in person soon!
I'm so excited for this upcoming week and the awesome things we'll be doing in Crete. Bye!
Will Noel, Diverse Ducks Ambassador