By Thomas Lewis

As another class in Paros comes to an end, I find myself once again feeling like we were there for months, yet it also flew by in the blink of an eye. Time is such a subjective thing.

In the last few days of the class, time becomes particularly precious for me. I take all the students’ films once they are complete and I mix the sound, do the color grading, and fix any remaining issues. This year, that task took me 3 1/2 long days, and that was just the bare minimum. I could have spent another week on it, as the students produced 71 minutes of awesome material.

This year, we had to hold the public screening of the films at a different location than we usually do. It is a very nice gallery space, but it is not ideal for a large film screening. We obtained a projector and a speaker and made it work, despite arriving to the location and finding it in a big mess because the municipality had started painting it and ripped out an air conditioner. It was great to see the students jump right in sweeping the floor and getting the space ready. (Thankfully the high temperatures broke that day and made the conditions bearable. If it had been the day before, we would have been suffering pretty badly.)

Photo caption: Kyleigh helping to get the projector dialed in. The menus were in upside-down and backward Greek! That made for a puzzling moment for everyone.

The turnout and the response to the students’ films were tremendous. It is such a pleasure to share our work with the people on Paros, so many of whom have been big supporters over the years. But I think my favorite part of the evening is seeing the students beam with pride (and relief) after the films have been screened. I am sure the vast majority of these students have never before sat through a public screening of a film they worked on. It can be a terribly nerve-racking experience. But once it is over and the audience response has affirmed their hopes, it is one of the best feelings ever.

It is my hope that the students take that best feeling ever and channel it into their efforts to be the best at their craft that they can be. If they do that, it will certainly pay off for them, and will be another great impact for our study abroad course.

Photo caption: Every morning, I bike around the island and get to see the beautiful sunrises over Naxos. I always want to share that with students. After I returned my rented bike, I offered to take a van load of students to see the sunrise. Surprisingly, 9 students were willing to get up that early.

Inspired!

That’s the word that I leave Paros with this time.

Inspired by the students who have come on an adventure that brought many of them way outside their comfort zones. Some had never been on an airplane until they came here. Some students overcame financial issues to be here. Some students have dealt with minor illnesses and homesickness. Their dedication to each other’s well-being; dedication to their craft of video production: dedication to wanting to be as good as they can be and doing work with passion have been commendable. I have seen them all grow up in different ways, and my hope is that they take many lessons from their time here, both personally and professionally.

Inspired by the people of Paros! Once again, we have met incredibly warm and friendly people who have opened their hearts and houses to us and shared their lives with us with welcoming arms. We met Argytis Loukis at his house one day unexpectedly, and he was so friendly and sweet to all of us- he apologized to me that he had not prepared a bar-be-que dinner for us! Thomas Lewis and I got to do a presentation for Kyklos Paros, a local Arts and Culture Council, and our reception was incredibly heart felt, positive, and supportive. They made us feel that we are part of the community here. The love of the residents here always inspires us.

Inspired by the work we have done in the past three weeks. The topics we covered such as the Citizen’s Movement to reclaim access to beaches, the traditional farmhouses and stone walls, and the use of permaculture to reclaim land here are topics that need an audience. To see how students respond to these issues is satisfying to know they are seeing a local action that leads to global reaction. We have also done quite a few personal interviews with authors, artists, chefs, activists, and farmers, and have seen their work, beauty, and creativity they bring to Paros.

Inspired by my colleague and partner Thomas Lewis- his amazing energy in putting all our videos together and telling amazing stories is un-paralleled. His passion for video production from the field and in the studio, his work with the students, and his dedication to excellence in most inspiring and I am most grateful!

Inspiration- you can’t wait for it. You must make it happen by seeing the world around you. I feel that that is what I get most from coming to Paros and sharing this place with our students and their work reflecting to the world. I hope that the students leave here with the same inspiration that I have found on Paros as well!

Albert William

By Layla Absalon

Traveling to Paros, Greece, for my first international study abroad experience was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I set foot on the island, I knew I was in for an adventure that would leave a significant mark on my heart and mind.

Paros was the perfect backdrop for our study abroad journey. However, what made this trip extraordinary was the amazing group of people I had the privilege to share it with. From the very first day, we bonded through exploring historical landmarks, walking through scenic trails, going to the beaches, enjoying a meal together at a local taverna and much more.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this trip was the hands-on experience I   my filmmaking abilities. The practical experience of working in the field, combined with the theoretical knowledge we gained, was invaluable. Working alongside my peers, I developed a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking. We supported each other through the technical challenges and celebrated our creative successes.

As I reflect on my time in Paros, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia. This trip was more than an academic endeavor; it was a journey of personal growth and discovery. The breathtaking landscapes, the rich cultural heritage and the welcoming local community all left a lasting impression on me. The bonds I formed during this trip are some of the most cherished connections I have made. I hope that our paths will cross again in the future, whether it be through professional collaborations or personal activities.

This first international and study abroad trip will always hold a special place in my heart. My trip to Paros was a truly transformative experience. The combination of immersive learning, hands-on filmmaking and the incredible group of people I shared it with made it an unforgettable journey. As I continue on my path, I carry with me the spirit of adventure, the skills I have gained and the hope that I will cross paths with my fellow travelers again someday.

Here’s to many more journeys and the lasting impact of our time in Paros!

By Kyleigh Hittle

Being in Greece has been a dream come true. I have seen and learned so much about a culture that is very different from mine. I have gained a newfound love for Greek Salad and taking walks further into town after a long day of video work. There’s so much beauty in the small things. Beautiful old doors, traditional architecture, and remnants of the past, carefully preserved as to not forget how far this island has come. It is beautiful here. It is peaceful here. And at night, it is lively here.

I have gained a sense of community, meeting and having great conversations with shop owners and restaurant staff. Coming back to see them every now and then and talking about the new developments in our stay here. Shopping at family-owned businesses and sparking up conversations with other guests as we sit peacefully and enjoy our meals. There is no rush. Here you sit and spend time with one another. There is no expectation to eat quickly and pay so that the next person can sit down and repeat the same process. Life is slower here, and there is always a place for you.

I am stuck in thought about how I will be changed when I make my journey back home. By the time we are on a plane headed back to Indiana, Bel and I will have been all across Europe. What will I learn? Who will I be? Will I be as enthralled with my surroundings as I have been here on Paros? Will my time here have prepared me for my future travels? These are questions I am not sure I have the answers to yet but what I do know is, because of Paros, I am changed for the better.

By Canaan Sellers

On top of the documentary work we have been doing while in Paros, a few of us students have taken it upon ourselves to make short films on the side for fun. I was a part of both films, and I got to direct the first one. It is a 2-3 minute short film about a tourist who is caught up taking photos on his camera instead of enjoying the sites for himself. We decided to call the film “The Viewfinder.”

This was the first short film I have worked on while feeling confident throughout that the final product will turn out as imagined. It was a great feeling working on the film and being efficient enough to be able to shoot during sunset, a very small window of time, that is often avoided in amateur filmmaking. Another cool part of the project was having dedicated roles with some friends of mine. My friend Colin is the actor, Abe is the foley artist, and Jake is the VFX artist. Having friends I can trust with an aspect of a project makes things much easier to accomplish, especially when it comes to something like VFX, or sound design, which are both out of my specialty a bit.

The most notable part of this experience was that this is one of the first short film stories I have worked on where I am deeply relating to the experience of the main character while I am making the story. I personally feel like it is hard to just sit and enjoy things, and I tend to take photos or videos rather than experiencing it. This emotional connection to the message of the short film I believe is what makes it meaningful. It’s a very simple story and something that most people relate to, especially when traveling. I am more than grateful to have a group of friends I can effectively work on short films with in the short time allotted while in Paros Greece.  

By Colin McCorquodale

Looking back on this trip so far, the moments that I have experienced have been amazing. It blows my mind how much I have done. I have experienced a lot of new opportunities such as kayaking and pushing myself more in my short film. I have had an anxious feeling about water and the ocean for the longest time. When I first heard about Greece and the things we would be doing, I felt pretty nervous about swimming. The ocean is something I have not been around a lot, so I knew that this would personally be a challenge. The kayaking was nerve-racking, I was anxious about being over deep waters. Not looking down, taking in the view, and being around my friends helped me ease my worry.

I am so glad I didn’t miss out on that experience. I was also very nervous to swim at night near the docks for my own personal narrative film. However, I didn’t want my anxieties to hold me back from the exciting ideas I had planned. What really helped me through was the people around me. I felt that when I was around my friends, I didn’t let my fears hold me back. I was scared to go on this trip, but having such a great team with me makes it easy. They make me want to step out of my comfort zone often and try new things. With less than one week of this trip left to go, I am glad to look back on this experience and say that I faced my fears and had an amazing time.

By Bel Lentz

Coming to Paros has been a literal dream come true. For as long as I can remember, my number one bucket list item has been to travel to Europe and immerse myself in the lovely cultures here. Greece has not disappointed me in any aspect and has exceeded every expectation. It is an incredible privilege to be able to come here through study abroad and learn about the local history and culture. I have gained knowledge that will last a lifetime and a new perspective on how I want to live my life.

Here on Paros, life is slower during the day and lively at night. Much like other European countries, there is a siesta time around 2-5 every day. As it gets quite warm here, these are the hours that the sun is directly overhead so shops close and everyone goes home to relax. This took a little bit to adjust to, but now I much prefer this way of living. The night life is so alive with children playing in the streets, friends socializing at bars, and people gathering at restaurants to watch football (aka soccer). I absolutely adore the community and have made friends on every corner. Everyone truly does know everyone!

I am so grateful for my study abroad group and how well we get along; I am sure that these are friendships that will stand the test of time. I feel inspired by my peers every day in the way they uplift and motivate each other. I am dreading leaving this island and country, but I feel so fulfilled with my experience here.

By Layla Absalon

Prior to becoming interested in the Greece Study Abroad Program, I received positive feedback from my courses. One recurring comment was, “consider studying abroad”. Initially, I dismissed these suggestions due to financial instability and uncertainties about traveling outside the United States. However, as I enrolled in more courses and discussed ways to expand my educational experiences with my professors, I was encouraged to apply for the program. Researching the program objectives started my desire to pursue documentary work beyond my experience and comfort zone. Discovering and documenting cultural heritage became an instant passion, aligning perfectly with my goal as a filmmaker to highlight stories from underrepresented groups.

The international flight experience is something that will hold a special place in my heart. As a first-time international traveler, I had an overall great experience, and I personally thank Jake Seitz, Eden Mace, and Hang Doan for that. We bonded as we navigated different airports and airlines together. Upon arriving in Paros, Greece, I was instantly amazed by the scenery and cultural changes. My initial expectations of Greece were accurate, from the wonderful hospitality to the endless opportunities for sightseeing. The walking tour and learning about the island’s history were essential in immersing myself in the surrounding culture.

Our experiences have been incredible so far, including the walking tour, group dinners, game nights, sunset watch, bird releases, sea kayaking and more. These moments will stay with me forever. As part of the Permaculture group, I am learning about land use and environmental betterment. I feel that I am contributing to something profound that can inspire change. For the remaining time on this trip, I hope to continue creating new experiences with everyone while simultaneously producing compelling and persuasive short documentaries.

By Canaan Sellers

This trip has been the most important experience I have had in a long time. I originally did not want to go on the trip. I convinced myself it was because of financial reasons, but deep down I was just too comfortable living in Indianapolis and didn’t want the challenges that come with such a big trip. So far, I can confidently say the trip has been more than worth it. I have never been able to fully submerge myself into another culture, but I feel like I have been able to here despite how fast the days go by.  We have the luxury of hearing many perspectives on social and cultural topics from different people because all the interviews we have been working on here. I think that’s something special about this experience that people don’t normally get on a regular vacation. It isn’t just visiting another country, but examining and researching specific topics within the culture, and I find that part deeply gratifying.

Something I noticed  a week into the trip is that I hadn’t put on my headphones once while going out. Day-to-day life didn’t make me want to listen to music or a podcast. I looked forward to hearing the ocean, greeting the same cats that hung out in their usual spots along our route to class, and getting a pastry from a pastry cart down the street from our workspace. I realize I need to take time to appreciate nature and life outside of just work.

Along with this, the project I am working on for the class has been a blast. I absolutely love that I get to work on a project focused on an extremely relevant social issue. The project that was assigned to me and a few of my peers is the Reclaim the Beach movement here in Paros. Business men and women are crowding the beaches with umbrellas and sunbeds and charging crazy rates for it, despite the beaches legally being a public space. The people of Paros are taking this issue into their own hands and peacefully protesting, especially because the authorities aren’t doing anything to enforce the lease agreements. Being so involved with a project like this has been extremely rewarding and exciting for me. I hope I can work on similar stories, in a similar way, in the future.

By Jake Seitz

When I came to the Island of Paros, Greece, I expected to see a place dominated by ancient cultural elements, because that’s the common knowledge of Greece in the USA. I also expected to see a lifestyle which is much more comfortable between neighbors and strangers than in the USA, a place where everyone gets along. In some ways, this is true.

Paros has a more connected lifestyle than where I live in the USA. People live closer to each other because of the smaller buildings directly beside each other. Everyone can walk from their homes to work each day, and strangers can have enjoyable conversations outside. Most people also look ahead as they walk instead of at their phones.

Through our documentary projects and what we study, which includes the farmland on Paros, the beaches, and the ancient stone walls, we have learned much about the ancient culture of Paros. Most of it still exists on the island, especially the large quantity of stone walls on the hillsides, used to dam the landslide soil and cultivate land. But there has been a great amount of change over the last sixty years or so, only a percent of the time Paros has been inhabited, and a primary cause is tourism.

Paros is seen as primary real estate for the heavenly island lifestyle, and as a result, Paros has seen increasing rates in construction and renting. The beaches are a clear sign of this change, as many are covered in uniform benches with umbrellas, which are rented out to beach goers for as much as 100€. But the Greek constitution says the beaches must remain public for anyone to use, rent free. There is an ongoing movement to reclaim the beaches and restore what’s rightfully the public’s.

The stone walls have seen their own share of change. Many of them have been destroyed to make room for new development on the land. The problem is that it takes time to make and repair the walls, and very little time to take them down. There is movement for the stone walls as a result, to keep them as they are, and to repair the ones that have been damaged. It’s an important movement because it symbolizes the ability of people to respect the past and remember it through original artifacts, but a goal that’s not shared by everyone on the island.

These changes have brought to light the differences between the past and the present. The past of Paros was a time of living simply, farming the land and the marble on the island, and taking care of it by prioritizing its thriving over the material needs of people. Now, many care primarily about capital gain and put tradition on the back burner. But it’s important to keep cultural tradition, especially on Paros, because of the island’s role in Ancient Greece’s economy through farming. The past is still around, so there is time for future generations to return it to the forefront of Paros’ identity.