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Kasey Topousis
Kasey Topousis is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Rome and Greece.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
One specific cultural experience I had that made a lasting impression on me was going to Mass with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. On top of attending Mass with him I was also able to go to his Angellus, or his blessing on St. Peter's Square, twice. Each time I was in his presence I felt peaceful and calm. His voice is so angelic and when he spoke his words filled St. Peter's Square with an overwhelming feeling of grace and love. This cultural experience will never be forgotten and will forever influence my faith life because being in the presence of the man who reflects the image of God on Earth was one of the most moving experiences I could have had abroad. The moments where you forget the concept of time and feel as though the world has stopped spinning, like this one, are the moments that stay alive in your memory forever.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad because I thought it would be a great experience to add to my time as a student at CSB/SJU. I knew that I would grow a lot as a person in the four short months I would be abroad. I had no idea to what extent I would grow but knew that the experience would broaden my global perspective, make me a more independent person, and prepare me better for my future as a college graduate. I chose the Roman-Greco program because I loved the idea of being able to live in two countries, be exposed to two cultures, hear two languages, and learn about two historical sites instead of just one, like the other programs offer. Before I applied for this program, I was intrigued by both Rome and Athens but wanted to learn so much more. They are the birth places of democracy and where our human civilization began so I knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity. There is no better way to learn about a place than by actually going.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would describe studying abroad as the most amazing experience of a life time. There is no other time in a person's life where he or she will be able to temporarily live in another country as a student. The things you learn abroad are the things you cannot be taught at home. You learn about being a global citizen and this isn't an easy concept to wrap your arms around without actually going and experiencing it. I would describe my experience abroad as captivating and inspirational. I have memories that made me feel alive and memories that made me feel like the luckiest person in the world. I was inspired by the people I met in the countries and I was inspired by my classmates who I got to know really well over the 12 week span we were abroad together. CSB/SJU doesn't offer a better opportunity than this to its students. And I would say to a prospective student, "You have to at least apply, because I promise you will not regret going!!" It was the best time ever.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
This trip has affected me in the sense that I don't take anything for granted anymore. The most simple things in my day are the most meaningful ever since returning home. Sometimes you have to leave a place in order to realize how beautiful it really is. I grew into the person I imagined myself to be and I am able to apply it to my life at home. As I was in Rome and Athens I watched myself grow spiritually, academically, mentally, and emotionally over the course of 12 weeks. I was presented challenges, things that were surprising, and things that made me feel uncomfortable. I was put in situations I never would have experienced if I hadn't studied abroad. And I worked through obstacles that no one can really prepare you for, they were obstacles that I had to tackle as they are presented to me. This trip has also made me fonder of the world. I enjoyed traveling before I went on the trip but now I especially love traveling. I realized that as an educated person in this world, I have a big responsibility to do what I can to make this world a better place. I am inspired to leave my foot prints in more places and see what else I can offer the world.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
For future Study Abroad students my advice would be to not hold back for anything. You will only have the experience you open yourself up to having. In order to fully experience a place you have to commit yourself to that place and trust that by taking opportunities you will learn so much more than you would have if you passed them up. The biggest risk is not taking one. By giving your heart and your time to a place, you will discover a new kind of world. A world filled with more joy and happiness than you would think ever existed.