Hi, my name is Isabella Ponzi, and I am from Oswego, New York. I am a current student majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a double minor in Business and Electrical Engineering. I attended The Clarkson School (TCS) last year as a member of the Class of 2025.
If you told me a year ago that I would get to travel to Greece, I never would have believed you. I did not think I would have time to study abroad, especially during my first year of college. Greece always felt like a fictional, ancient place or something you learn about in school or see in movies like Mamma Mia. The Clarkson School not only gave me the opportunity to visit, but also helped me grow and learn so much about myself along the way.
The Clarkson School’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond traditional academics. The dedicated staff offer an annual student-voted trip abroad, giving those interested in travel an amazing chance to explore, and those who are unsure a safe way to try something new. Before the trip, TCS students take a one-credit course that covers cultural norms, history, and details about each location they will visit. The trip to Greece is a perfect example of the program’s dedication to providing meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom.
ATHENS
Our trip began in Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world and the capital of Greece. We wasted no time after getting off the plane and went straight to the Acropolis. Seeing the Parthenon up close, a structure that has stood for thousands of years, was incredible.
After our historical tour, we had free time to explore the city and shop. There were so many places to visit that it was impossible to see everything. During this time, I had my first gyro, which was delicious. Later that evening, a few of us took the Metro. It was surprisingly easy to navigate, and I noticed many signs were in both Greek and English.
SARONIC ISLANDS
Next, we took a day cruise to visit three beautiful islands in the Saronic Gulf: Poros, Hydra, and Aegina. The morning started crisp and chilly, but once the sun came out, it warmed up to around 70 degrees. At each stop, we explored the islands in small groups.
Poros was our first stop and is known for its prickly pear cactus. We spent most of our time walking and taking photos of the scenery. Due to weather, we couldn’t dock in Hydra, but we did make it to Aegina. Aegina is famous for its pistachios, so of course we bought some. They were the freshest and most delicious pistachios I have ever tasted. Even with the rain, running from shop to shop made the experience fun.
The islands looked exactly like what many people picture when they think of Greece: white houses, bright blue water, and breathtaking views. By the end of the day, we were tired, but our faculty leader, Brenda, boosted everyone’s energy and got us all dancing on the boat ride back.
ARGOLIDA
Our trip continued into the region of Argolida. On the way, we stopped at the Corinth Canal. It was extremely windy, but still very cool to see. Our hotel had bunk beds, which we thought were adorable, and it was located right next to a beach with crystal-clear water. It was the most perfect beach I had ever seen. One student brought back fresh oranges from a walk, and they were the sweetest oranges I have ever tasted. I felt like I could stay there forever.
The next day, we visited Epidaurus, one of the oldest and best-preserved theaters in the world. This was the site I was most excited to see, and it exceeded my expectations. The theater is 2,400 years old, seats up to 14,000 people, and is still used for performances today. We also visited a pottery workshop where we learned about traditional Greek pottery making.
OLYMPIA
In the morning, we walked into Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. We unexpectedly met a local Olympian from the 1970s who still had his Olympic torch and let us take photos with it.
We spent most of the day at the site of the original Olympic Games, learning about the history and layout of the grounds. A few students even raced on the original track. On our way to Delphi, we stopped for honey and olive oil tasting, which was delicious and fresh.
DELPHI
My first impression of Delphi was the stunning mountain landscape surrounding it. We toured the remains of the Oracle of Delphi, located along the mountainside, which includes an ancient theater, the Temple of Apollo, and the Oracle itself. The view was absolutely breathtaking. Being able to see for miles, surrounded by flowers and ancient architecture, made it one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Reflecting on my global experience with The Clarkson School, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to explore outside the classroom and visit a place I had always dreamed of seeing. Beyond the amazing food and beautiful views, I gained a new perspective on other cultures and places. This trip sparked a desire to travel more and continue exploring whenever I can.
