Our study abroad semester is starting to come to an end and realizing that hit me pretty fast. I quickly realized how much I have to do in less than a week: a 5 page paper and 2 documentaries. But I’m perfectly fine with it; I’m on an island in Greece. It’s very relaxing here even with a lot to do. I can see why the locals are how they are for the most part: happy and laid back.
Before this trip I’ve always kind of considered USA the place to live and be, for I didn’t know any different; it’s not like that at all. Living here is great. The community is great. The weather is great. The atmosphere is just great. There aren’t many worries here from what I’ve noticed. I’ve never felt unsafe walking the streets even at the latest hour. There aren’t any fights or unhappy faces. Nobody is rude. People are just enjoying life. It’s not easy to apply all of that to those in the United States, especially in big cities such as Indy. Kids and animals roam the streets at night while adults sit and talk at cafés for hours (cafés are everywhere by the way). Restaurants give you rainchecks if need be and the owners always greet you with a smile. People really just care about people.
Paros is a beautiful place visually and humanistically speaking. People are people no matter where they are, what they look like, or how they communicate. Through our documentaries I hope we can all help convey that just a little bit clearer.
– Jacob Harris