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By Kathleen Price
The first book I ever read in the McConnell Scholars Program was Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L’Amour. This autobiographical reflection depicts a young L’Amour’s restless youth, characterized by traveling the globe, working odd jobs, and holding a pocketbook always in hand, despite having no college degree. L’Amour’s philosophy was that formal academics can only offer you a strictly outlined knowledge to make you a successful tool in the job market. Real education, however, comes from seeking knowledge everywhere- in books, in people, and in the world itself.
If you haven’t read this book yet, I can’t recommend it enough- it’s one of the few that has truly changed my life. I first encountered it as I was heading off to college, leaving home for the very first time, and it quickly became a touchstone I’ve returned to again and again. Most recently, during the start of this last summer break, I found myself reflecting on it while traveling through Greece with the University of Louisville’s International Service Learning Program.
My experience on a Study Abroad Program was my first L’Amour-inspired adventure. Before that, the only time I’d left the country was on a trip to Sweden with my best friends from home- a wonderful experience, but one that felt more like a vacation than a journey. I never had that itch to go and see the world; I thought everything I would ever need was right here in the States. But Greece was different. This time, it was intentional, and it was up to me to make the most of it. With that, I want to share my reflections beyond academics- the kind of lessons you can’t replicate in a classroom. This is my shared, yet uniquely personal, story of my time in Greece, which I refer to as The Education of a Wandering Woman.
It only feels right to begin at the very beginning: the flight that got me there. After all, it was my first travel lesson of this story. On my previous international trip- a 24-hour travel day- I hadn’t slept a wink, pacing the aisles for hours on end. Determined not to repeat that mistake, I made the executive decision to take some medication to help me rest. What I hadn’t anticipated, however, was the dosage. Travel tip (or rather, travel don’t): never combine two Dramamine with two Melatonin before boarding a flight. Yes, I arrived in Greece safe and sound…but I’m pretty sure I hallucinated my way across the Atlantic.
After landing in Athens, our journey continued by bus to Delphi, home of the Temple of Apollo and its remarkable museum. From there, we ventured north, stopping at breathtaking sites such as the Meteora Monasteries, perched high atop stone pillars, and the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, steeped in myth and history. What I learned along the way was simple but profound: put your phone down. Be present. Instead of scrolling aimlessly, I carried a book of my choice, a journal, and a pen. Your time in each place is fleeting, and the chance to immerse yourself in the way others live- to truly see, hear, and learn- is far more valuable than anything you’ll capture on a screen.
With this, I would seek out conversations with those who are familiar with the richness of Greek culture and history. From food recommendations to places to visit, the people know best and often want to share the beauty of their home. This isn’t just about learning the culture of one country, but I quickly realized that I was going to learn about dozens of cultures in one trip. My group made friends with Canadians on our first night in Delphi, a German couple on the steps leading up to the Acropolis, and a Ukrainian man who owned a coffee shop near one of our hotels- to name a few. These connections led me find out that my favorite meal the whole trip would be pasta with gyro meat and a block of feta on top (I do not even eat cheese), my favorite nightlife scene, Bolivar, has special events at different points week, the train system in central city is actually straightforward (once someone explains it), and quiet hours are dependent on what area you are in (be courteous and check).
As you run around the country attempting to accomplish everything in such a short time, remember to be flexible. Oftentimes, things do not go as planned, but that does not mean your travels are ruined. One day, the reasons for miscommunication left our group without anything on the schedule to do. As a result, we spent almost an entire day at a beach on a cliff. With so much free time, a friend of mine and I later decided to climb the Paladmidi Fortress. I learned that rest days do not have to mean doing nothing, the Pilates classes I take are definitely worth it for a hike like that, and the view from any mountain you climb will always be worth it.
Out of the dozens of cities I visited, I cannot recommend smaller cities over tourist attractions enough. While every crowded amphitheater was a work of art, it does not offer the chance to truly immerse yourself in what is in front of you, at least without distractions. In the smaller cities, we were able to visit a Priest that was commissioned by the Vatican to paint one of its murals, go sea kayaking in Archaia Epidauros and snorkel over the Sunken City, taste honey in Koutsopodi of Αrgolid at a Bee Conservatory, tour a Vineyard and taste wine that has been perfected over centuries in Domaine Skouras, and learn traditional Greek Dances in a young couples studio.
All this to say, traveling abroad taught me more than just history, culture, or geography- it taught me how to slow down, listen to my mind and body, acknowledge my curiosity, and appreciate the fleeting nature of each moment. I learned that the real lessons aren’t found in lecture halls or textbooks, but in conversations with strangers, in standing before ruins that have outlasted empires, and in the quiet reflections while watching the sun set on a place you may never return to.
My favorite quote from Education of a Wandering Man reads:
“The world in which I have lived has often been a harsh, bitter one, but it has always been tinged with romance. I doubt I could have endured the one without the other. Oftentimes, when one party meets another on the way, the greeting is often ‘May there be a road!’ It is a land of frequent snowslides, rockslides, and cave-ins. One hopes the way will be clear, the road open. So as one pilgrim to another, I leave you with that wish: May there be a road!”
I am a wandering woman and will continue to develop my education so one day I will be well-read, well-rounded, and well-traveled. This is also my wish for you: whatever form of education you seek, may you follow it with courage and curiosity; and may there always be a road!
Kathleen Price is a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville in the Class of 2027. She is studying political science and economic.