Exploring ancient ruins and modern classics: A journey to Greece

Beneath the bright Mediterranean sun and surrounded by ancient ruins, Ohio University senior Makayla Schrader is living her dream, studying in the heart of Greece. Immersed in the country’s rich history and culture, she’s part of the College Year in Athens (CYA) program—a rare opportunity for students in recent years.

For Schrader, a Classics major in the College of Arts and Sciences, the experience has been nothing short of transformative, bringing her face-to-face with the world she has spent years studying. The journey has deepened her connection to the past while shaping her future in ways she never imagined.

Schrader’s passion for ancient history and her academic dedication have driven her to seize every opportunity Greece has to offer. She described her trip to Crete as "the greatest experience of my life," adding that her favorite course so far is Topography of Monuments in Athens, where she’s walked in the footsteps of Socrates and explored the Agora.

"We were given the opportunity to visit a restricted excavation area," she explained, noting that her commitment to her studies, along with that of her peers, has led to valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship from their professors.

The program also allowed her to enroll in a 400-level course, a rare privilege for undergraduates.

Schrader’s experience in Greece is not only about academics. She’s embracing the local culture and soaking in everything the country has to offer, from ancient ruins to modern Greek life. Schrader says she has made a name for herself as a scholar who is deeply engaged in her studies.

Beyond her current journey abroad, Schrader has established herself as a star student back in the other Athens (OHIO’s main campus). She works closely with Alyssa Skikkus in the College of Arts and Sciences Scholars Program  (CASSA) and plays a vital role in recruiting new students to the Classics program.

Schrader is also a leader in the Classics Club, where her passion and initiative have led to the creation of the Monsters in Literature club. Working alongside Dr. Anne Drogula, Instructor of Classical Languages, she started the club last year, beginning with classic horror novels like "Dracula" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Thanks to Schrader’s drive, the department even secured funding to provide books for the club’s members. While she’s away this semester, the club is continuing with classic werewolf tales.

Looking ahead to her return in the spring semester, Schrader is already planning her next steps.

“It felt like Christmas when I saw the class offerings for next semester,” she said, eager to dive back into her academic life at OHIO.