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

By Albert William

Our three weeks on Paros has passed very quickly although, as always, it seems like we’ve been here for a very long time. The amount of work that the students did this year was truly phenomenal. To be able to produce 12 high-quality films of completely varying subjects is truly remarkable and shows what a great group of students that we had this year.

On Thursday we all assembled at the Archilochus and showed all 12 of the movies that we had created this year. We had an incredible crowd that literally filled every seat in the hall and there were even people in the back standing and sitting on the stairs to the balcony. The showing went extremely well and, as usual, I got a bit emotional at the end thinking about all the trials and tribulations that we have struggled with together as individuals and as a group. To come through the last two years of the global pandemic and then to be able to come to Paros has been an incredible change in life for all of us.

I got many comments from the attendees of our event at the Archilochus that stated what an incredible job we did, and that our statement was one of great love for the island of Paros. As Dolores said in her interview “to come to Paros is to fall in love” and I believe that is a true statement. I think that all of the students have fallen in love with Paros. Paros is a unique place that one can’t help falling in love with; the beauty of the island; the beauty of the people; and the amount of love that we are shown while here.

Until we meet again Paros! Love is all there is!

By Thomas Lewis

As another summer study abroad on Paros wraps up, I am really delighted that this group of students was able to rise to the challenge of putting together an ambitious set of beautiful films. For whatever reason, we ended up with more films on our docket than we typically do, with some of them added rather late in the game, but our students were able to stay enthusiastic and dedicated through to the end. And that speaks volumes.

Our screening last night at the Archilochos was a lot of fun, and we had more people in attendance than ever before. The reaction of the audience to the students’ work was simply wonderful. It is such an honor to be able to work with our students, Albert, and our various collaborators on Paros, to tell stories, year after year, about this wonderful island. Until next year…

By Jasmine Martin

Today is the day we present our projects to the citizens on Paros. It is difficult to believe that we started these projects 3 weeks ago. Albert and Thomas told us that this trip would feel like we have been here for a very long time as well as if we hardly spent any time here at all. I did not believe them at first, but now I understand what they meant.

It seems like yesterday we were at the edge of a cliff watching a bird release.
Like I was walking around the 100 Door Church, taking reference photos to complete my 3D recreation of the building.
Like I had just met Annelize, the ex-pat that I interviewed with Jen and Thomas.

So much has happened each day that we have been here, yet I feel that we haven’t done enough. I want more time to explore the island, do more activities, and make more memories with all the great people on this trip. I’m not ready for this to end, but alas, all great things must come to an end.

All my experiences and lessons that I learned will stay with me as I continue my degree and grow as a person. I never thought I would’ve had the chance to be a part of a study abroad experience, and I’m grateful to have gotten this opportunity.
I will cherish these memories forever.

By Virginia Hooton

I have only spent three weeks on Paros. Three short weeks, and it has felt like I’ve only been here for a few days, it also feels as if I’ve been here for years. It’s so hard to describe my time here in a way that makes sense. I have had an amazing time; the people here are so wonderful, the weather is amazing, and we’re just allowed to exist.

I’m currently sitting at a Cafe, next to the waves and drinking a warm coffee. I am just enjoying my time with friends. Enjoying the breeze from the ocean and the shade from the cafés umbrella. Our drinks are warm and most importantly there is so rush, no stress to be anywhere we can stay at this cafe all day if we wanted. That is what I mean when I say that I feel free to exist.

Everywhere on the Island feels this way. It’s not just the restaurants, you could go almost anywhere and hang out and talk with others. I have become friends with many different shop owners and restaurant owners and staff. Everyone here is so open and friendly, willing to chat and build friendships with everyone.

I said it before and I’ll say it again; this place feels like it’s welcoming me home.

By Jason Peercy

There is a special feeling here on Paros. I have met many people that I will not forget and that I hope to return to see again. Each meal is a time for love and reflection with family and friends. Walking through the streets, I am greeted by the people I have grown close to while here standing in front of their shops and restaurants, chatting with each other in the afternoon. Though the weather is warm, a light breeze always blows like a gift from Aeolus.

In the evening, the soft wind from the sea carries the cares of the day away. Walking down the seafront, I search for a spot to watch today’s match. Real Madrid vs. Liverpool for the UEFA Champions League title. I feel at home in the taverna with others who are fans of the beautiful game. I know no one but am instantly greeted by a Frenchman here also watching the game. We sat together with another couple of greek fellows to enjoy an evening of carousing and sport.

Though I am not the only foreigner here, I am the only one who does not speak any language other than english. But it does not matter in the taverna. We are all one celebrating the excitement of the game. We begin to learn how to communicate with each other, how our languages are similar. We all cheered at the goal scored by Real Madrid. At that moment, I feel a connection with everyone there. We are all the same regardless of what language we speak. We each speak the language of joy.

By Em Barry

To be truthful, I did not expect to have the opportunity to write another blog entry. At this point, I’ve gotten a little over two weeks of the Paros experience and nearing completion of my main project.

Paros itself is a beautiful island, but I can totally get the “tourist-ification” of the main areas. Being as this is my first time here, and I am a tourist as well, I don’t feel like I can say much on this topic. The world is rapidly progressing, and with COVID restrictions being lifted, it will only continue in full force. Change in all aspects is inevitable.

It’s been enjoyable to get to know some of the local street cats. You can tell when one is well taken care of, and each one typically has a household/shop that takes care of them. The two nearest to our workplace are Dwight, the mostly blind but sweet calico, and Spaghetti-o, the big, laid-back tabby. In between 3D work, I would take breaks to go find and get some pets in. Dwight is often right outside, but she’s been hit or miss this past week because of a frequent pet dog. Spaghetti-o is down the street and likes to hang out around the Pirate Bar. I keep wanting to call him Pirate. His real name is Liam, but I think our name for him is better. Then, of course, there are the villa cats, Concrete, Cement, and her kittens’ Pebble, Clay, and Granite.

Having this hands-on experience with being at the place you’re 3D modeling is truly something else. I was able to take tons of photos of things I needed and can still walk back over there whenever I want to get more or see something up close. Well, as long as it isn’t locked behind a gate. I’ll be glad to be done with the reconstruction of the 100 Door Church, but it is nice to get compliments from everyone on how nice it’s looking.

I’m looking forward to being back home in the states, but this was a great experience.

By Miranda Prowse

Being in Paros has taught me a lot more about myself than I ever imagined. It has allowed me to clear my mind and live in the moment. I have gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities over the past few weeks, and I have this opportunity to thank for that.

Never in a million years did I think I would see my work on a poster and hang up around a city. I never thought I would be able to construct a cohesive story and edit a video using Davinci Resolve. This journey has made me believe that I can do anything I set my mind to. There might be bumps in the road, but the final destination is worth it.

I am excited to see how this last week plays out. I am looking forward to everyone’s amazing hard work.

This was an experience of a lifetime. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to collaborate with, create new memories with, and to see this beautiful area with.

Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, we don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone. Paros will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

Jake Bertram

Spending nearly a month on Paros has been an unforgettable time in my life. I came on this trip not only for the experience of a lifetime but also for an enlightening, soul-searching endeavor. I don’t know what it is, but there is something about Paros that is just going to stick with me. All the memories I’ve made, the people I’ve met, the new friendships I’ve created, and the idea that I am making films on the opposite side of the world and helping people to tell their stories have all just coagulated into this thought that I am on the right path in my life, both career-wise and personally.

There are a lot of things I love about Paros, and I could probably write a book describing all of them, but the beautiful sunshine, I think, might top the list. Feeling the warmth from the sun and the light ocean breeze combines into this absolute feeling of bliss, and I feel like it could be my Xanadu. Paros is a place I will once again visit someday, whether it be on my own, with a friend, or with a lover, I know in my heart I will be back here to bask in the sunshine.

Lauren Drang

What does it mean that I have memorized these streets, and they’re now stored in my muscle memory? When I feel comfortable getting breakfast by myself on the coast, what does it mean? When I have made so many jokes about moving out here when I know they aren’t really jokes, what does it mean?

Does it mean I belong here (or at least in Europe)? Does it mean I don’t feel like my true self in the States?

What does it mean?

It could mean a number of things. I guess I don’t need the answers now, but hopefully, I will figure them out someday. Until then, I will talk about what I DO know.

I know that this trip has been an incredible experience that I am so glad I got to have. With each venture to the mountains, to the beach searching for rocks, and even spending time in the villa laughing with the rest of the group, I know that this trip was worth every penny. Not many people get to spend three weeks in a different country doing what they love. They don’t get to make REAL connections with the owners of a cafe or crystal shop. But I have.

I know how proud I am of the group but also myself. We have pushed past the boundaries set by ourselves and have done so many things none of us dreamed of doing. And as a particular eater, the amount of food I have tried while here is astounding to me. I made a little list below. Looking at it brings up the memories of when I tried them with the others, and the faces that followed, good or bad.

What I have tried while here:

Octopus

Calamari

Passionfruit

Swordfish

Prawns

Lamb

Cherries

Weird green gelatinous cube with a walnut in the middle

Sangria

I know that I will miss this island so, so much when I eventually leave. This island gave me the courage to try new things and experience more than I have in a long time. I climbed rocks on the coast in Naoussa. I trekked a 40-degree incline to reach an interviewee’s home. I went on a sea kayaking adventure with a former Olympian (I didn’t know that, though, while sitting in the kayak with her). This island gave me the courage to say yes and not be (completely) afraid of the unknown. And I hope to carry it with me as I go through this journey called life.

I know that my adventures don’t have to end after this program, but it took so much to get here that I have that worry I won’t get out again. But on the other hand, this trip has given me such an incredible experience for my first time traveling abroad that I think it will be much easier now to gift myself travel than ever. I’m even going on a mini trip to a few other European countries after we are done here. I am forever grateful to everyone who got me here but especially to myself.

Ευχαριστώ και αντίο <3

By Jennifer Blohm

We’re about a week or so away from the end of the program.

It’s very bittersweet. I love this island, the people, the culture, the food… everything. I’m going to miss it. On the other hand, I cannot wait to go home. I miss my bed, cooking, friends, partner, and family. (And my dogs, of course.)

I think that this trip has been a great test of my knowledge and application of everything I’ve learned over the last three years. Getting to apply all of my skills, and fine-tune new ones, has opened up the possibilities for me to work (almost) anywhere on sets I might find myself on in the future.

I’ve also been so enamored with the stories I’ve been involved in, including my assigned projects about Marios and Annelize. I have never interviewed two more unique individuals in my life, and getting first-hand accounts of their stories really reminded me of two things.

The first was how far I’ve come from when I first started college in 2019 as an art student hoping to study graphic design and transferred to the MAS program a semester behind most of my peers. Now I’m graduating the fall after this trip. I don’t think 18-year-old me would have ever been able to picture studying abroad at the time. I hope I’ve made her proud.

The second thing was how much I really do love storytelling and listening to people talk about their lives. People don’t need to lead the biggest, boldest, richest lives in order to tell the best story. Every time someone tells me about their lives, I’m in instant awe of how much they’ve been able to accomplish in so much, yet so little, time. It’s humbling; a good thing to keep in mind when the looming crisis of graduation and the whole wide world starts to trickle in.

I’m young. I’m only 21. I have time, and I cannot wait to see how my own story is written.