I had heard the Tragos Quest to Greece was life-changing since becoming a Florida Alpha in Fall 2020. That was the only adjective ever used, though, life-changing. I had crossed paths with three former Tragos Scholars before leaving for Greece, and they would not tell me what to expect, just how they felt upon their own return, so that is how I intend to share my story. I have always been someone who is endlessly curious and tirelessly diligent; I did not like the unknown. I was about to head across an ocean with individuals I had never met, some from Universities and Colleges I had never heard of. I wanted to know what I was getting myself into. This problem only got worse. As other Tragos Scholars can attest, the words “Trust the Process” take a deeper meaning while in Greece. To his annoyance, our trip coordinator said these words to me often as I constantly tried to learn what was happening next.
On the quest I met brothers from across the nation, an experience you do not get at regional events like Carlson. I have built long-lasting relationships in weeks like this in summer camps of my past, but never have I found such a deep connection until being alongside the brothers I attended Tragos with. From talking under the Lion’s Gate of Mycenae, to hiking up 999 steps to the Palamidi Fortress, and racing across the stadium at Olympia, the 18 brothers on the Tragos Quest to Greece were experiencing true Greek life in more ways than one. The camaraderie on the Quest was immense, but the vulnerabilities we shared rivaled even my strongest relationships built over three years in Florida Alpha. 
The University of Florida is a competitive campus; getting caught up in pursuing your goals is easy. Yet, it is so important to relish your personal life and pursue deeper relationships with others. Whether it was exploring a cave below the Temple of Poseidon, talking to Albanian children on the ferry towards Nafpaktos, or attempting to sneak out of the hotel- spontaneity is a trait Tragos instilled in every Scholar. Tragos defined the way in which I plan to spend my senior year; by living in the moment and saying “yes” more. I am grateful to our trip coordinator for telling me to Trust the Process, and to past Tragos Scholars for giving me no judgment regarding the Quest. I had the opportunity to live in the moment, probably for the first time. I plan to continue living life this way.
As we looked down from the mountains in Delphi and towards the coast thousands of feet below, the beauty of where I was is all I could think about. Being surrounded by my brothers, now close friends, as we performed sacred rituals in the heart of Greece, I was not stressing about my future or anything else in the world. I was thinking about how fortunate I was to have my life truly altered. Leaving for the Quest, we were told that a moment would occur when we would realize why you were there. This was my moment. The moment I focused solely on the present. I know I have been made better for having been on the Tragos Quest to Greece. I look forward to being back at UF, mentoring my brothers, and ensuring that my life and those around me are enriched by the traditions that bind SigEps together. I will work to live in the present and lead a full life, while not being scared of the unknown. I will never cease recommending the Tragos Quest to Greece for years to come, so future Florida Alphas can experience the moment when they realize why they are on the Quest to Greece.