Meeting people from around the world during my GSA program in Greece and Italy taught me a lot about myself, my values, and the way I connect with others. Being exposed to unfamiliar cultures pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to grow. Through these interactions, I became noticeably more confident and outgoing, especially when approaching people I had never met before. I also felt a strong sense of pride in being Canadian, as people were consistently warm, welcoming, and curious about where I was from. This openness made it easier for me to initiate conversations and approach people with confidence.
One of the most meaningful lessons I learned was how much I value listening to others’ stories. I realized that I genuinely enjoy learning about new people and hearing about their lives, even when their experiences are difficult or painful. Listening to these stories reminded me that everyone struggles in one way or another, often in ways that are invisible at first glance. Exposing myself to these harsh realities helped me become more grounded and compassionate by encouraging me to recognize my own privilege and develop empathy for others. I learned that growth comes from acknowledging others’ struggles, demonstrating understanding, and providing a safe environment where they feel comfortable to share. A moment that stayed with me throughout the program was meeting a mother and son who owned a small outdoor fruit market. Although they did not have much money, they were the happiest people I met. They greeted my friends and me with genuine smiles and asked us questions about our lives. We had such warm and open conversations and my friends and I made an effort to stop by their market every day during lunch because seeing them became a meaningful part of our day. These interactions showed me that happiness is not defined by wealth, but by human connection, kindness, and gratitude. Despite the language barrier, we were able to communicate through patience, gestures, and effort, which helped me become a better listener. Instead of feeling frustrated, I focused on understanding them as clearly as possible, strengthening my ability to listen with empathy and care. This lesson became even more evident one evening when I was studying for my Advanced Functions test at a cafe in our hotel. After hours of studying, the servers noticed my work and brought me a free drink as a kind gesture. The four of us began talking using Google Translate. Although communication was difficult at times, we laughed through the misunderstandings and bonded over our shared curiosity about one another. I shared stories about my school life in Canada, while they spoke about their university experiences, jobs, and families. This moment taught me how easily people can form meaningful connections through openness and kindness, even without a shared language.
Overall, meeting people from different cultures taught me that true understanding comes from listening with patience and empathy. This experience will influence how I approach future classrooms and new environments by making me a more confident communicator and a more attentive listener. It showed me that it is possible to form meaningful connections despite cultures, languages, and background differences.
Thanks to Student Ambassador Eden G. for writing this blog!
