France

France has a charm that’s hard to describe. One of my favorite memories there came during my first visit, in the quiet seaside town of Menton during my gap year before college. I’ll never forget sitting alone at a small outdoor restaurant, trying escargot for the first time as couples wandered the narrow streets and the town slowly came to life around me.

Years later, I returned to France at the last minute to attend my first Olympic Games. Over a few days in Paris, I watched events ranging from table tennis and taekwondo to weightlifting before ending one evening at a jazz bar where, by complete coincidence, I ran into a friend from San Diego.

I also had the chance to reconnect with one of my favorite University of Miami professors, Professor Alexandrakis, who was in Paris with his family for the Games. Although he had once been my professor, I had always thought of him more as a mentor and friend. I deeply admired how he balanced being a full-time professor, running his own law firm, and being such a devoted father. He had a tremendous impact on both my personal and professional life, and I’m incredibly grateful our paths crossed.