Christopher Tsichlis
Narrative Paper, Final Draft
English III, Mrs. K
5-25-2014

More Than a Vacation




Ever since I was a 1 year old baby, I have been spending my summer vacations overseas with my family, in the country of Greece. Throughout my childhood, I have been very blessed, but also very appreciative of the fact that I have been raised to recognize where my family’s roots are. It is an irreplaceable feeling that has grasped my heart, in a manner that oozes great happiness, love, family, and true passion. It’s something that can’t always be defined for all to understand, but instead an intangible gift that all should have present in their lives. Going to Greece as a young boy, was something that my family and I loved very much, as we not only went just for vacation, but to visit beloved family as well. As the years went on, going to Greece in the summer became a ritual. Each year when the summer came around, the excitement of traveling was always there, however as a family, or at least me personally, I became so accustomed to making the trip, that the appreciation of the whole thing began to fade little by little, without even realizing it. Now that I have not been to Greece in over 4 years, I realize how much the summers I’ve spent over there mean to me, and how much I long to go back.


Greece is such an amazing country, with it’s warm, welcoming people, it’s breath taking views, its unforgettable culture, and it’s amazing food. Adapting to these ways of life, was a click that happened automatically. However, it’s not the luxurious things that have lured me into loving where my family comes from as much as I do. It’s the pure things that have stood out to me the most, that have taught me right from wrong, altered the way I view things in general, allowing me to be more open minded, and most importantly, have allowed me to understand who I am, and what I represent. It’s something that I ponder about daily, as it serves as a great motivation factor in my life. It has shaped me into the young man I have become, and the man that I desire to be in the future. Our family members that we have in Greece, have put the exclamation point on our summers that we’ve spent together. I couldn’t thank our family in Greece enough for all the precious memories that have touched all of our hearts. I love them with all my heart, and taking the time to reflect on the times we have spent together, has allowed me to view going to Greece in a bigger picture, and has given the trips, all their meaning, and appreciation that is true in ones heart.

The beginning of my high school career, started with my first summer camp of Maine South Football. Football is a game that I have always loved with a passion. As a young kid growing up in Park Ridge, one of my favorite things to do, was to go watch the Maine South Hawks play every Friday and Saturday. It sparked a special passion for me, and created some of my biggest hopes and dreams, of one day playing football for Maine South. Once I reached high school, my childhood dream had become a reality, and I dedicated my summers to Maine South Football, which ultimately left no time to go to Greece. Hearing the sounds of football, is like music to my ears. My heart pounds passionately, where all my emotions instantly become a mix of excitement, and joy, but at the same time, intensity, ferociousness, and the desire to want to win. Maine South Football has instilled this great sense of pride inside my heart, as my childhood dream, has been filled with memories that will stay with me forever, and friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s those special bonds, with both coaches and teammates that make my feelings towards MSFB so alive, and make it naturally something that I love so much. The pride and joy that is felt throughout the program is truly remarkable, and what I’ve always imagined Maine South Football being all about.

Not going to Greece the past couple years has been an eye-opening part of my life, as I realized the true necessity it is for me to always be attached to my family’s roots. Very recently, my mother and I were deciding on whether or not we should make the trip once again this year. It took some thought, as I knew we’d have to try and find a way to make it work, in a way that doesn’t conflict with football. Fortunately, we managed to find time to go during the 2 and a half week break off of football that we have, from late July to early August. I’m ecstatic to know that this summer I will be going to Greece again with my family. My excitement didn’t come from the thought of making this meaningful trip alone. It also came from knowing that the time spent in Greece always served as an outstanding refresher for my entire family, which is something my family needs very badly, having gone through some heart-melting moments a few years ago. For that reason I’m so happy and thankful for the opportunity to go to Greece, as well as being able to live a bit of so called “the best of both worlds,” as I have been so blessed to be able to find a way to balance my two big passions in life. Coming back, I won’t only be refocused oozing with more pride, but ready to attack my senior year, as well as win a State Championship with our football team, not just for me, but for my family, friends and all my loved ones, who mean more to me than any other single thing in the world.