Recovery's Path to Greece | An Unlikely Path to Dual Degrees

Brent Mercer Start Date: Feb 2, 2025 - End Date: Jun 1, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad

My Travel Story

by: Brent Mercer Start Date: Feb 2, 2025 - End Date: Jun 1, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
If you are reading this, I want to thank you for taking the time out of your day on my behalf. What I'm about to describe here is a tiny glimpse of monumental transformations that have occurred in my life.

Many of you will know that to say I struggled with addictions would be a gross understatement. My out-of-control behavior and desire to escape my life almost cost me my life on several occasions. My life is nothing less than an absolute miracle of survival. I tried to run and hide from my own existence, digging myself further and further into a darkness that completely consumed me. I had lost myself entirely.  

But I had this dog that I loved, and he really loved me. So, I had to get myself together; otherwise, I wasn't going to be able to take care of him for much longer.  That was the first time I was able to begin to develop an understanding of how excruciating it had to be for anyone who cared about me to watch as I absolutely squandered all my opportunities and created havoc in my corner of existence. 

The picture for this campaign is of me in a treatment facility about 2.5 years ago. I haven't looked back. Today, I am a few months away from graduating with two diplomas (psychology and philosophy), and in less than two years, I will be applying to graduate programs to become a Doctor of Psychology. I'll graduate distinguished with Summa Cum Laude honors as long as I maintain my GPA for four more months.

Addiction is a horrendously nasty affliction that creates ripples in the fabric of shared human experience, and it affects those closest to the suffering individual.  It is not something I would wish upon the worst of enemies. Addiction's impact is more devastating than the loved ones affected by it would care to admit or even be able to fully realize. I am incredibly blessed to be able to restore my family relationships stronger than they've ever been and they continue to improve.  Many others suffer familial wounds that are, in some cases, unresolvable.  It's truly tragic.

And that was the biggest trick to truly getting serious about recovery: I had to seriously contemplate and empathize with those closest to me.  I got to know and understand how it felt for them, finally, not thinking about myself for once.  That was fuel to the fire beyond that of any other.

Today, I am beyond blessed not only to have a meaningful life, but I know what it is I'm designed to do.  I have to do everything I can to be as effective in helping others like me, as well as their families.  I'm uniquely qualified to do so, and it would be a tremendous honor to be on my deathbed one day, knowing that my life was fully exhausted in the pursuit of helping others.   

Greece is where I hope to take my final humanities course to satisfy my philosophy degree.  It's really about immersing myself in both my fields of study.  The foundations I'll experience in Greece will enhance my approach to mental health treatments, where I plan to take a modern approach rooted in ancient wisdom.  

Every contribution helps to transform this dream into a reality.  Your donation will not be taken for granted.  I am tremendously grateful if you've even just read this far.  If you are unable to donate today, I hope you will consider it when you are able.  If nothing else, I hope you gained a bit of inspiration from reading this today.