Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 4 SigEp Gator Heart I had heard the Tragos Quest to Greece was life-changing since becoming a Florida Alpha in fall 2020. 'Life-changing" was the only adjective ever used, though. I crossed paths with three former Tragos Scholars before leaving for Greece and they would not tell me what to expect—just how they felt upon their own return. I intend to share the same in this testimonial. I have always been endlessly curious and tirelessly diligent; I did not like the unknown. I was about to head across an ocean with individuals I had never met, some from schools I had never heard of. I wanted to know what I was getting myself into. As other Tragos Scholars can attest, the words "trust the process" take a deeper meaning while in Greece. To his annoyance, our trip coordinator said these words to me often as I constantly tried to learn what was happening next. On the quest, I met brothers from across the U.S., an experience you do not get at regional events like Carlson. It wasn't the first time I've built long-lasting relationships in a few weeks (such as summer camps), but never had I found such a deep connection like the one I found at Tragos. From talking under the Lion's Gate of Mycenae to hiking up 999 steps to the Palamidi Fortress or racing across the stadium at Olympia, we 18 brothers were experiencing true Greek life in more ways than one. The camaraderie on the Quest was immense, but the vulnerabilities we shared rivaled even my strongest relationships built over three years in Florida Alpha. I began the Quest thinking I was an open book, someone comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings with others. Yet, as the evening discussions progressed, I began reflecting on my decisions and aspirations. I realized that I have not truly shared the meaning behind many of my actions—or, to that extent, the times in which I choose to remain quiet. The University of Florida is a competitive campus; it's easy to fixate on your scholastic goals; yet it is so important to relish your personal life and pursue deeper relationships with others. I will share with anyone the story of my grandmother's death while I was at Boys Nation and how her dreams for me led to putting my career ambitions at the forefront. But in my tireless push toward success, I lost sight of the present. Whether it was exploring a cave below the Temple of Poseidon, talking to Albanian children on the ferry to Nafpaktos, or attempting to sneak out of the hotel—spontaneity is a trait Tragos instilled in every Scholar. Tragos redefined how I plan to spend my senior year: living in the moment and saying yes more. I am grateful to our trip coordinator for telling me to trust the process and to past Tragos Scholars for giving me no judgment regarding the Quest. I had the opportunity to live in the moment, probably for the first time. I plan to continue living life this way. As we looked down from the mountains in Delphi toward the coast thousands of feet below, the beauty around us was all I could think about. Being surrounded by my brothers, now close friends, as we performed sacred rituals in the heart of Greece, I was not stressing about my future. I now realize that will work out. I was thinking about how fortunate I was to have my life truly altered. Leaving for the Quest, we were told that all would have a moment in which we realized why we were there. That was my moment. Looking ahead, I pray I continue on this path, for the Quest never ends. I know I have been made better through the Tragos Quest to Greece. I'm happy to be back at UF, mentoring my brothers and ensuring that our lives are enriched by the traditions that bind us. I will work to live in the present and lead a full life while not fearing the unknown. I will never cease recommending the Tragos Quest to Greece so future Florida Alphas can experience that moment: realizing why they are there. HFF, Parker Rossignol '24 "I believe that a man will be made better for having been a member of my Fraternity." Parker Rossignol '24 enjoying Greece with SigEp brothers. Why We Are Here Parker Rossignol '24 Takes the Tragos Quest

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