Poumpouras discussed how her global travels have shaped her life, and how we can all become smarter travelers.
Here’s her story….
The only place I ever went in my childhood wasGreece.
Evy Poumpouras in England, on a hike, and on Secret Service duty.Credit:Courtesy of Evy Poumpouras
From the time I was 3 years old, my grandmother would watch me.
I remember sitting on the plane quietly and seeing her lift our stuff off the baggage claim belt.
I was born in Harlem and grew up in Washington Heights and later in public housing in Queens.
Evy Poumpouras in Paris, France.Courtesy of Evy Poumpouras
We had chickens, a donkey, and a swing that was hung with a rope on a tree.
Even taking a bath was a production.
We had to boil water and use a plastic basin.
Hiking in Mexico.Courtesy of Evy Poumpouras
But when you grow up like that, it’s just another home.
I saw two unique worlds, and without realizing it, it made me more adaptable.
You appreciate the things you have at home, but you also appreciate the simplicity of village life.
As I got older, I felt like I needed to see more of the world.
My first study abroad was in Italy.
I did six months there at the American University of Rome.
It was an amazing experience and gave me exposure to the world.
When I came back to the U.S., I wanted more.
Next, I did a semester in Mexico.
The instructor I traveled with to Mexico was Dr. Linda Longmire.
Her goal was to teach us about the world, but not through a textbook.
Along the way, I learned Italian and Spanish, but these experiences also made me unafraid about traveling.
This helped me when I joined the U.S. Secret Service.
I later also learned Arabic on my own.
I was one of few female agents, but I didnt mind.
But my gift was precisely that I did not look the part.
When I traveled, I always felt safe secret service agents are part of the federal government.
Airlines loved having us on, too, because we provided an extra level of safety.
Sometimes, we would travel withformer presidentsand First Ladies.
I actually did have President George W. Bush’s, daughter, Barbara Pierce Bush, for some time.
We would take commercial flights to Africa, where she did humanitarian work for AIDS.
We went to clinics where children were dealing with the disease.
It was humbling to be there.
We also went to places where we had to be careful.
We always worked with the local police, but we had to watch what information we were sharing.
We made sound decisions, and we had safe trips.
When you’re with a sitting president on Air Force One, thats a whole other game.
Technically, whatever plane the president flies on becomes Air Force One.
it’s possible for you to relay messages faster and radio for help.
If they need extra muscle capability, you’re there.
Every time I got on a flight, I did an assessment: Where are the doors?
Is the person sitting next to me capable of handling any situation?
Are they able to bring up the door if there’s an emergency?
Who would I go to for strength?
Little things like that just being aware of the environment.
It’s not to be negative its just what we would call a situational report.
When you go through TSA, there are signs that speak out against violence.
Butthe TSAis there to verify everyone stays safe and sometimes that gets lost.
I understand its annoying, but its not the TSA’s fault.
When you pass through, saying “thank you” can go a long way.
Bringing that energy onto a flight is helpful, too.
Ive found most people are kind and will help you.
This summer, I traveled with my 2-year-old toddler.
We got on the plane and were doing everything to keep her quiet and calm.
The people around us were so gracious.
We often lose sight of people being genuine and good.
Travel is so important because it helps you connect with the world.
It makes you more open and accepting of others.
You appreciate where you come from, but you also appreciate other places.
You learn humility, and that your way is not the only way.
Traveling is a great way to unite people.
