We had eleven students here for three weeks working on a documentary on a little known archaeological site called Despotiko. We finished a 12 minute video in this time, plus three smaller videos of our primary interviews. This much work is an amazing feat for even seasoned professionals, much less a group of students who range in skill sets from zero knowledge, to some seasoned students who had a good idea of what they were doing. I feel that everyone stepped up and did a great job with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a sense of adventure.

There were times when we were all outside of our comfort zones. When we were homesick, and tired, and sleep-deprived or jet lagged, and couldn’t figure out what we were doing. There were times when we were tasked with chores that we weren’t confortable with. But we have something unique to show for it.

Students will never let me live down the fact that I told them “it never rains on Paros”, and “there aren’t any bugs on Paros”. No need for raincoats or bug spray. Well, we had lots of rain for a few days, and cloudy cool temperatures. And of course that brought mosquitos. We had days of intense sun, sunburns, and heat. We had days of lots of walking- particularly up to the school we worked out of- a nice little walk through the countryside every morning and afternoon.

I feel that all of the students embraced Paros as it was their home. This happens on this small Greek island. The people here are so friendly, and welcome all of us as friends. There is so much to explore here, and even casual walks around the port town of Parikia, where we stayed, reveal mysteries every single time. This placed is drenched in history, time, and human life, and you can just feel it everywhere you go.

I am very proud of the students who studied with us on this trip. They all brought lots of diversity and passion to the project, and made lasting relationships. I feel that we have left a great piece of work behind in the video we made for the residents of Paros and anyone who is curious about a very unique place called Despotiko.

– Albert William