“The Fraternity posted it and I thought ‘hey, that was us!’” exclaimed Pennsylvania Gamma Julianna Barr. Julianna was referring to a blog I had written four months ago about Arizona Gammas Nikkiana Dukellis and Sarah Romano. With this discovery, I was excited to get her perspective on a chance encounter of Pi Phi sisters abroad.

In fall 2015, Julianna was studying abroad in Bologna, Italy and Pennsylvania Gamma Cassandra “Cassie” Masciale was in Malaga, Spain for her study abroad program. The two women decided on a short trip to Venice, Italy. Of course they wanted to participate in the novelty of a gondola ride, but at the price of 80 euros (approximately $89 /U.S. dollars), the duo was put off by the price. Julianna and Cassie scanned the line to assess potential groups to split the ride with. There was a couple madly in love, a few younger children in a group, and then two college-aged women; they thought they would give it a shot with the two women.

Julianna approached with her classic broken Italian introduction of, “Ciao” and was relieved when the two college-aged women spoke English and were also Americans. They agreed to go in on the gondola ride together. Julianna and Cassie made small talk with their two new friends, Nikkiana and Sara, about what school they attended and where they were studying abroad. Along the way, they made the connection that they were all members of Pi Beta Phi. Of all the people they could have approached, Julianna and Cassie picked Pi Phi sisters.

As the ride continued, the women discussed Pi Phi, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and plans for their time abroad. The two pairs realized they would be in Paris at the same time in three weeks, so they made tentative plans to see each other. They added each other on social media and promised to stay in touch.

Fast forward to November 13, 2015, when coordinated attacks devastated Paris. Julianna and Cassie were out in Paris, just two blocks from the initial attack, but thankfully were able to get back to their apartment. Once home safely, the two realized the reality of the chaos in the city. Nikkiana and Sarah reached out immediately to make sure Julianna and Cassie were safe. The four were in constant communication with each other: Nikkiana and Sarah shared information they saw on T.V., while Julianna shared the information she received from the U.S. Embassy about safe routes and tips.

“We had so much love and support, especially from two girls experiencing the same thing. They were willing to help although meeting just a few weeks prior,” says Julianna. Since leaving Europe, this group of women has kept in touch and created a bond over shared experiences abroad.

Check out the blog often to see which of your Pi Phi sisters are sharing their stories. Like Julianna, you never know whom you may recognize, as it may be you!

To see the original blog post, click here: http://ringchingroadshow.org/2016/02/12/together-abroad/