Documenting Cultural Heritage: Artifacts and TraditionsA service learning course in Paros, Greece

For the fifth year in a row, we have brought students from the IUPUI School of Informatics and Computing for our study abroad program here on Paros. The time here, as always, has been wonderful due to the friendly people and beautiful surroundings on the island.

We have been blessed to be able to document many amazing aspects of Paros, its people, and it’s way of life. We have had many adventures, and it is always wonderful to see students open their eyes to making new friends, seeing new vistas, and experiencing life in a completely different way.

Sometimes our time here goes so slowly it feels like we have been here for months. Other times, it feels like it all flashes by in the blink of an eye. When one looks at our final work, it is easy to forget the amount of effort that goes into these documentaries. We showed our work Thursday night to the citizens of Paros at the Archilochus Hall, and the reception made us all proud of the hard work we have put into our time here.

We all overcome challenges to produce this work. Different time zones, different food, unfamiliar roommates, home sickness, deadlines, new software, weather conditions, personality differences, sunburns, yoga, money challenges, and language differences. Through all of this, our students are learning how to tackle complex issues and learning new ways to navigate this world.

It is too easy to sit at home and wonder “what if?” All of us here have accepted the challenge of stepping outside our comfort zone and seeing how Paros challenges us. Overcoming these challenges are the things that give us a sense of accomplishment. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.

Students this year have done an incredible job; we are very proud of their work and how they represented themselves, Indiana, and the United States. I have been told by many residents that we have a wonderful group of students-  and that makes me very happy to hear. I feel that our students accepted many challenges this year and have come out with an experience that will shape their lives.

So I leave with these words from one of my favorite songs that I think is appropriate for this year…….

Who can stop what must arrive now? something new is waiting, to be born
Dark as the night, you’re still by my side, shine inside.
Gone are the days we stopped to decide where we should go, we just ride.
Gone are the broken eyes we saw through in dreams gone, both dream and lie.

“Crazy Fingers” By Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia

Until we meet again Paros, thanks for the challenges!!!

Albert William

Photo by Thomas Lewis/ Drawings by Logan Henry

Salutations!

It is a Shamus that only one person is here for the last student blog post. So the swan song of such a sequence of student submissions is Sir Solitaire Shamus (the Strange-Slash-Silly) of Shamrock. I can certainly try to make this last post count. Shall we get started?

I came on this trip for the sake of a completely new experience. I had no plans and little idea of what was actually in store when I decided to myself to take this class. I also just so happen to love Greek culture, mythology, and food. My first college class back in Tidewater Community College was in Greek Mythology, which climaxed in us developing a Modern Greek Goddess of the Internet, Internethis. While there was always a large love of Greek culture in my household, that class really awakened my love and set my interest in this course. In learning about Paros in particular, I really liked the idea of studying quarries, statues, buildings, and/or any other marble marvels. I really didn’t know what to expect in any case.

What expectations I did have, though, were handily met. I really enjoyed the food, the flowers, the atmosphere, the sights, and (most of all) the solid work I got to do. I especially enjoyed the solid work involving flowers. I have had a nice time exploring this new country and meeting all new people. I never touched video editing before and barely did any photography, so even the technological skills required were new to me. I didn’t even use Photoshop, and I figured that was the one skill I had from beforehand. Nonetheless, I still tried to do well in whatever was needed to decidedly mixed results, but things still worked out well.

There was undeniably a lot of drama here and there, yet (as dramatic and theatrical as I am) I do not have the taste for such talk. Each of my fellow students had something great in their own way, in some manner. This was particularly great with Logan and Korey, who were the best project members I could ask for this venture. Albert and Thomas handled each of the many twists and turns with a calm competence and an understanding heart. Alcey really helped keep us together and personally helped me keep together in the worst of times. I really will miss these people and will seek to meet back with them in the states. I would never think I would have this many new friends, gained so quickly. I have certainly changed and grown over my time here.

If I had told me from a month ago that I would have abandoned Objectivism and accepted my inherent altruism, I would have smacked myself upside the head.

If I had told me from a month ago that I would have not only be completely fine with being alone, but fully desiring it, I would have smacked myself upside the head.

If I had told me from a month ago that I would start believing in magic, I would have smacked myself upside the head.

So, summing-up the trip, there were quite a few bad elements, but it was still worth going. I think each of us changed for the better, despite our occasional scrapes and scuffles. I seek to further travel across Greece once this is over, and perhaps travel the world more years from now. I most of all hope to do that with friends.

Sincerely, Shamus.

There are several little experiences and moments I have been listing in my journal and that I will miss when this trip is over. The way the sunset paints the mountains with a layer of orange pink. The crunch of gravel under our feet in the quiet as we walked through Delos. The soft light of the candles on the restaurant tables gleaming against the white painted buildings.

I have grown significantly as a person over the course of this trip. The combination of new experiences and living out of a suitcase for the past few weeks has made me realize how I want to live my life when I return home, and what I consider necessary for a fulfilling life. As my first ever study abroad experience draws to a close, I cannot believe all the things I have lived within the span of a few weeks. I have walked through ancient cities, tasted local cuisine, swam in some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen, and made friends with the locals.

When I first boarded the plane to take this trip, I wasn’t sure what would happen. I was afraid my social anxiety would get the better of me, or my ADHD would make it hard for me to be friends with the other students on the trip. I’m happy to say that neither of those things have held me back and that I have enjoyed nearly every minute of this experience. I have even been able to befriend a few of the locals.

I met a woman named Margo who works at a purse and shoe store. She also fosters cats, especially kittens who need to be bottle-fed. I have seen two of her foster kittens, Rat and Lucas, and her older cat, Kirki. They are all sweet and friendly cats. Now, I just stop by her shop to say hello and play with her kittens. Margo is the woman that I interviewed for my personal project. She is a kind and friendly woman who loves animals. I’m going to miss her and her cats when I return to America.

Overall, I have had the experience of a lifetime that I was looking forward to for two years. My experiences here have helped shape how I want to continue living my life when I return to the U.S. I want to be more mindful and relaxed, as well as get rid of things that are unnecessary. I also want to continue meeting new and interesting people, and hearing their stories.

Georgey Elaine

Studying abroad in Paros, Greece was an extraordinary experience for me. I would not want to spend the first three weeks of my summer any other way. I have traveled out of the United States numerous times to countries all over Europe, but visiting the island of Paros has to be one of the greatest so far.  There are so many interesting sights to see and the landscape and views are stunning. I have tried so many new things during this study abroad trip that I have never done before. The study abroad class with Thomas and Lewis was interesting as well. Even though there were a few moments where I was a bit nervous that I would not be able to complete the projects in time for the deadlines, I did finish everything and my completed assignments turned out great in the end.

Some of my favorite activities that we did while in Greece were the all-day kayaking trip, the early-morning hike I did with Thomas, and the archaeological tour with the guide Avgi Kalogianni. Even though not all of these topics were actually experiences where we learned about Paros (some were just for fun), I still learned so many new things about the history and folklore of Paros’ past during each and every activity.

Nick White

During my time on Paros, I have learned a lot and seen even more. From hopping around rocks in Noussa bay to trying every flavor of gelato that I could, I know that it has been a trip to remember. Since I have now finished my video projects for the program, I am waiting on the premier at 7pm tomorrow and hoping that my videos will be enough to impress the locals. Ideally, our presence here would be of benefit to them and the community, telling their stories in a way that might not otherwise be captured. This last week has been the most intense in terms of work, but I think that it all will come together nicely in the end. I have met some incredible people that have helped me on this journey, and I look forward to checking up on them in the future, even if it may just be through email or a Facebook message. Paros has made our group feel welcome, and for that I am very appreciative. On Saturday, I will say goodbye to the island and begin my next steps as what I believe will be a more rounded and thankful individual.

Chris Jackson

First, schoolwork: My project is going a lot better than it was even a couple of days ago, and I’m ecstatic. I almost managed to have it done in time to be considered for the exhibition on the 6^th, but quit for the night after I missed the deadline. I’ve been working on it all day, I deserve to put it up for the night.

News: The shopkeeper who volunteers for PAWS got a new kitten! I haven’t seen him yet.

Juice and Trivia Night: Went pretty well, last night. We drank a LOT of juice.

Mosquitoes: Their mere existence is morally wrong. I hate them, and they weep, for they love me and my tasty, tasty blood. Luckily for the little devils, I keep forgetting to apply bug spray. Luckily for me, most of them seem like they haven’t noticed. They’re still flying around like mad, though, which is incredibly annoying.

Mystery Statistic: Estimated 85%.

Sunburns: Healing. Already almost out of aloe.

Still considering getting my ears pierced. Still having to fight with Facebook to post things half the time. Still bonding pretty well with the group as a whole. I’m going to be very sorry to leave Paros, I can tell you that much.

Alyssa Welch

Some new experiences I have had on this trip include sea kayaking, doing a personal interview, meeting tons of people, and learning a new type of culture. It has been a lot of fun getting to know different types of people on this trip. Whether it be shop owners, restaurant staff, or even my classmates, it has been a great experience and I am very glad that I made the decision to come here. I have met a lot of wonderful people including the man that I interviewed. His name is Nikolas Dragatis and he is one of the sweetest people in the world. It was a very good experience to go through the entire interview process. I feel like I have matured from this trip professional and personally. I appreciate everyone that has been a part of my adventures here and I hope I will be able to see everyone again someday.

Logan Henry

As our trip comes to a close, I’m caught between wanting to stay here longer and being ready to be back in the states. This has been the most incredible, exhausting, exciting thing I’ve ever done. I’ve met people from around the globe, I’ve tried new foods, and I’ve learned new things about video production, myself, and the world.
Although I look forward to getting back, I’m already finding myself planning my next international trip. I can’t wait to see new countries, try new foods, and experience new places. Greece has been the perfect first international trip- I’ve been surrounded by good people doing great things, and I’m so thankful that I’ve had this opportunity.

Elise Walker

This whole study abroad trip has been a roller coaster. There has been a lot that has thrown me off, and a lot has surprised me. For one, I never expected to have eaten 18 gyros by this point in the trip; yet here I am, bloated but never better.

With only a week left in the trip, I am focusing a lot on what I still hope for out of my time abroad. So far, I have gotten more out of this trip than I could have hoped for. The people I have met and the friends I have made have been the best part of 2019 for me yet.

Going forward, however, I want to focus on finishing our class projects strong. I want to leave a lasting impression with the work we have done here. Years from now, I want to be able to watch these documentaries and know that the rest of the world got a preview into the wonderous places that we got to experience.

Lastly, I just want to end the trip strong. I don’t want to have any regrets leaving here. This trip should feel like a complete experience, without having to worry about what I didn’t get to do. Instead, I want to focus on all the great experiences and people on this trip. I just want to live in the moment and not stress about anything else.

Nick Kinder

It is the last week of class, deadlines are hanging over everyone, and tensions are as high as every final week of school. People are wearing thin on my patience and the stress of creating two finished documentary films are weighing on all of us. These will be the first documentaries that I have ever created. This course is like a marathon, you have to keep a steady pace and need to finish strong. I will be nervous about showing the products of my hard work with the fear that it will not be good enough. I now need to rely on my classmates and instructors to get me through this week.

Brandon Rigdon

When I travel, I like to spend as much time as I can out and about. There is always so much to do and not enough time that I often find myself forgoing sleep to experience everything I possibly can. For the last several weeks I have been up late hanging out with friends and enjoying life socially, but also waking up at 4:30 am to watch the sun come up with two people who motivate me every day. At first waking up this early was challenging and proven difficult. Although, it only took a few days for this sleep pattern to feel natural on my body. For once in my life – I am not dreading getting out of bed, I am jumping out with excitement ready to start my day. The excitement just to live, to smile, to work hard, be around those that make me feel happy is exhilarating. I can’t believe a simple sunrise could change my life this much.

With countless sunrise pictures filling up my phone, I have been continuously motivated to achieve more every day. I want to wake up earlier, hike higher, run farther, and just overall spend each day becoming the best version of myself while creating positive environment for those around me. It is incredible how forming a small new habit, such as waking up early, positively influences all other aspects of my life. Creating this new habit for myself overall made the adjustment to being in Greece that much more of a comfortable experience.

Spending the time to focus on my overall well-being has been the most enlightening experience of my life. I used to be the kind of person that would laugh at the idea to wake up before the sun comes up, but it has humbled me overall as a person. Allowing myself this time in the morning to work out and enjoy the sunrise has improved the overall quality of my work and my motivation to do the work. I hope this new found passion can be carried over back home to Indianapolis – as it has created a whole new perspective for me. I think the message is to do something that terrifies you, is a little uncomfortable, and really pushes you – it may become your passion.

Greece has completely changed my life for the better.

-Autumn Eastom

I’m honestly not sure what to write about this time; I’ve had such grand adventures, filled with excitement and danger, rewards a plenty, and even mournful sorrow, that I don’t quite know where to begin. It’s been so long that I’ve been here and yet not long enough as I soon must take my leave. And what a sad day that will be.

One of my favorite things to do in Paros, or on this entire trip for that matter, has been exploration and travel. My journey has allowed me to see so many gorgeous views from atop mountains or out by sea side; I’ve never been lucky enough to go beyond what most of my classmates have seen due to my ambition and drive for adventure. Since I arrived on Paros, my sleep schedule has adjusted to allow me to wake up before sunrise in order to go on hikes or bike rides around the island. I’ve traveled far beyond the touristy parts of town and been able to see the true culture of Greece. After this trip, I’ll forever cherish these several sunrises with Thomas and Autumn.

Another rewarding bit about being in Greece has been the friends and people I’ve met along the way. Everyone has a story to tell and our group is filled with such a diverse cast of character which keeps everyday entertaining. Coming here has allowed me to break out of my shell for even just a moment to meet such talented people that I’m continuously bonding with. And outside of the group, we’ve been honored to meet interesting people of Greece. The sweetest lady in the world, Fortini, Marcos with his words of wisdom, an expert in self-defense who is also a tattoo artist named Mario, and even a disgusting, yet charming cat we call Blepp; these are just some of the people and creatures we’ve encountered along the way, but there are much more. Every day has led to new and more powerful experiences.

However, this trip hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. As with any group, unexpected problems arise such as arguments between group members, unfortunate accidents, interview cancellations, and anything else you could possibly think of. This trip has been a weird one with all sorts of ups and downs for all of us. There have been days where the mood is low and you can only make little efforts to try to bring it up.

Overall, this trip has been amazing. Our work on making documentaries, or preserving history in other ways has been going well, and I’m sad to think my time here is almost over. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and I hope to maybe one day return the Paros or stay in touch with many of the wonderful people I’ve met.

So to everyone involved in my travels

Thanks for the good times!

~ Korey, The Bowler

Eight more days to go and 95% of me wants to go back home, but the remainder of the 5% wants to stay here in Paros forever. 

I appreciate what this experience has done for me personally. I didn’t really know what to expect when I was coming here, but I have experienced so much, as well as thought differently about my future. Being here has made me decide to me be a food critic as well as open my own shoe store with one of my line sisters. I look forward to making that happen along with my other career goals! 

My experience here has taught me how to adjust to new lifestyles. In America I never noticed the little things that I was use to and the city in general. Here I tried different Greek dishes day and night for 3 weeks, accommodated with not flushing tissue down the toilet, walking to and from places, being far away from family in addition to a different time zone, and not being in my familiar comfort zone. In America I am use to seeing foreigners being in my country, and visiting or starting a new life. So it was nice to actually live in their shoes for a while. 

I have made new meals here that I will definitely try out at home! It is pasta with garlic seasoning, noodles, pasta sauce, shrimp, feta cheese, salt and pepper! 

A random thought that I would like to share is that I miss having outlets every where I go and I am going to miss looking at the beach every time I go outside. 

Micah Richardson

Paros is a dream, and I think I could live here forever. The weather is wonderful, if blazingly hot. The ocean is beautiful, its refreshing breeze carrying across the city. The food is cheap and delicious, and I can walk to a dozen excellent restaurants from the villa.

A lot of buildings, especially in residential areas, are similar white blocky shapes with blue accents. It provides a very unified aesthetic, and the white paint would absorb less heat than other colors. It also looks incredible against the sweet blues of the sky, or the vibrant, deep blues and greens of the sea.

The food is really good, and eating out with my friends is a lot of fun! We have been cooking at the villa sometimes, too, but usually that’s a solitary thing. We have had some group meals where a few people would cook for everyone, though! It’s so fulfilling to feed everyone.

The weather is bright and hot, which is intense, but it’s also consistent. I don’t have to cart around a jacket for when I go inside, because there’s rarely air-conditioning (though when it is encountered, it’s sorely welcome), and there’s often a sweet sea breeze or big white fan to move the air around.

The schoolwork is interesting. I like going out to shoot video and interview people. We’ve been all over Paros to speak to everyone from shopkeepers to charity presidents.

I’ve also, for whatever reason, felt a LOT more confident here. I can’t explain it, but I feel like a new woman, and I’m happy and content.

Except when a mosquito gets in my room.

Alyssa Welch