09/11/2025
Sofia Roka shares:
To travel the world and experience its cultures has always been the compass that guides every decision I make - from the programs I participate in, to the volunteering projects I embrace, to the personal goals I set for myself. This summer, that compass pointed toward the United States.
Being selected by the U.S. Embassy and the Department of State as one of ten Greek students to receive the Ambassador Scholarship Fund, a program that offers students the opportunity to spend their summer in the United States through the Summer Work and Travel Program, was an extraordinary honor.
The experience was truly otherworldly. I welcomed it with enthusiasm and an unshakable spirit, ready to work hard and explore even harder. Over the last thirty days of the program, I immersed myself in every moment: the breathtaking landscapes, the vibrant cities, and the incredible people I met along the way. Each encounter, each place, became part of a mosaic of memories that I will carry with me forever.
On the last day, I stood at the Summit, looking down at New York City - the skyline glowing under the setting sun. It was quiet, and for a second, time stood still. I imagined my younger self beside me. I showed her what we had achieved - that the dream she once whispered about had become real.
That moment wasn’t just about arriving somewhere; it was about realizing how far I’d come. The compass that once pointed toward possibility now points toward everything that’s still out there, waiting to be explored. And I know this journey has only just begun.
Big thanks to for its support and passion throughout this journey.
