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By Ozy Anyanwu
Before my two-week study abroad experience in Greece, I knew little about Delphi’s history or culture. When thinking of a beautiful Mediterranean country such as Greece, I thought of the sun-soaked islands of Mykonos or Santorini, or the robust Acropolis in Athens. This was my first time studying abroad in college, and I was nervous to travel without my family. However, Delphi, simply a name on a schedule that I did not recognize, quickly turned into a city that left a permanent imprint on my heart and mind.
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a significant influence on the ancient, archaeological world because of its vast history. Our first stop during our excursions in Delphi was to the Temple of Apollo, first built in the 7th century BCE. The temple is a key religious and cultural center of the ancient world, and I was in awe visiting it. Standing among the ruins, I remembered some of the lessons from my Political Leadership class with Dr. Gregg during my Spring 2025 semester, where we had the opportunity to read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I distinctly remember past scholars saying that Meditations was easily one of the most memorable texts of the class, and this sentiment could not be truer. The connection between philosophy and place was so visible throughout my entire Greek excursion. When I had the opportunity to climb the Temple of Apollo, I was not sure I’d make it to the top. But my friends and I pushed through, and a couple of thousand steps later, we made it to the summit. The sight from the top took my breath away. My friends and I just stood in silence as we looked upon the mountains and scenery. I took a deep breath and was immediately at peace with myself. I quickly realized how tiny my problems were as I allowed my mind to focus on the vast, beautiful mountains I faced.
As I allowed my mind to explore the beautiful landscape I viewed from the mountaintop, one quote from Aurelius that immediately came to mind was, “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars and see yourself running with them.” There is so much beauty in life’s adventures, and many of us often lose sight of it as we feverishly carry out our daily activities. Standing atop the mountains, with nowhere to rush to, made me pause to appreciate this life as a gift. I count myself as the luckiest person ever to have witnessed such a beautiful sight and forget my worries, even if for a moment. By focusing on the bigger picture, one can cleanse oneself from worldly distractions and fleeting worries. This mindset is, of course, easier said than done; however, Aurelius taught me such a beautiful lesson sitting atop those mountains. Aurelius' constant emphasis on the importance of living with reason and in accordance with nature will continue to dictate my attitude to life. I will continue to permit myself to pause, appreciate life’s quiet, picturesque scenes, and feel nature in the hugs and smiles of my loved ones and friends. Until we meet again, Delphi!
Ozy Anyanwu is a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville in the class of 2028. She is studying political science with minors in history and Spanish.