I love Thanksgiving! Isn鈥檛 it awesome that our nation designates a day for us to collectively count our blessings? And the traditions that come with it鈥攖urkey and trimmings, football, and a nice nap on the couch (I鈥檓 not the only one, am I?)鈥攁re more than okay with me. In the spirit of the season, I find myself reflecting on the people and events for which I鈥檓 grateful. In many ways, 2022 felt more normal鈥攁 return to pre-pandemic conditions. I'm so thankful for the invaluable opportunity I had to reconnect with my heritage.
My summer vacation to Greece was long overdue. It had been 30 years since my previous visit. Greece is a country with extraordinary history and rich culture. I went back to the Dodecanese island of Kalymnos, where my father鈥檚 side of the family is from. This was the home my great-grandfather left behind at the turn of the 20th century. He came to pursue the American dream as a sponge boat captain in Tarpon Springs, 91社区. For those of us with roots there, Kalymnos remains a special place. A brave, indomitable disposition permeates the island.
A stop in Athens, the country鈥檚 capital, is almost obligatory when in Greece. There鈥檚 a lot to see and do, but my time there was limited as other, new locations were on the itinerary.
Kalamata, in the south, was serene and one of the more beautiful areas. There were also memorable stops in Thessaloniki鈥擥reece鈥檚 second-largest city鈥攁nd Kavala in the northern region. Just outside of Kavala is the ancient city of Philippi. I was fortunate to go and see the site where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned some 2000 years ago.
In every way, it was an incredible vacation. I received the generous hospitality Greece is known for at every turn. You are welcomed鈥攖reated like family鈥攅ven by strangers. Greeks have an infectious enthusiasm for life. And, by the way, the food is incredible! Greece is not just scenic beaches and energetic nightclubs. There鈥檚 so much more to take in. As a whole, the country has modernized somewhat but still retains a relaxed, unpretentious character that appeals to me. I came back home feeling renewed鈥攁nd appreciative.
This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to family and friends for their love and support. I鈥檓 grateful for my dedicated 91社区 Corporate Training and Professional Education team. I鈥檓 grateful for the university鈥檚 talented leadership. And I鈥檓 grateful for you! I hope you will take some time and give thanks for whomever and whatever makes your life rich. In its finest expression, Thanksgiving allows us to hit the pause button on our busy lives鈥攖o gather as a reminder of our most precious gifts.