Paros, Greece is a very friendly and welcoming community. Everywhere you go, people greet you warmly, want to know where you are from, and genuinely want to share their life with you. You feel as if you are a part of the community.
This is my fourth time on the island, and it feels more and more like home every time. Our students have said that they feel at home very quickly as well. Maybe it is the small town atmosphere, or the relaxed nature of Greeks in general, but it is very easy to be here.
Thomas and I brought eight students here this year to document cultural heritage. Why? Because we feel we would like to share this piece of the world so that others may understand that we are a global community, not isolated from each other. We find that we are all the same, and people’s hearts are open and loving. We have the same concerns, the same dreams, the same joys in life.
The students we brought this year were from a diverse background and a good mixture of talents and personalities. We did not know each well at all. But, we came to develop our own community, our own little family. We developed relationships that allowed us to in
teract with the people of Paros. Our community of students interacted and gave back willingly to the community of Paros. And, that is the payoff for us- not only do we get to be in this amazing place, but we get to leave something behind that will be enjoyed by many people, to describe a place that too few people get to experience.
We had the opportunity to present our work to the community of Paros at the Archilochos in Paros on Friday night. It was well attended by friends we have made here, collaborators, our students, and people who have lived here their entire lives. Many people commented on how appreciative they are that we come here and tell the story of the island. I had one particular young Greek woman express her deep appreciation of our work, and introduced me to her mother and aunt, who spoke no English, but were quite taken that we come from so far away to do this.
It makes it all worthwhile that all of the energy and time Thomas and I put into these projects help to make our world smaller. It makes it worthwhile that we see our students grow from this experience. It makes it worthwhile that we bring a sense of community to a world that often struggles to find an identity. It makes it all worthwhile to find a sense of community so far away from home, and become a part of it.
We look forward to returning again next year so that we can keep this community alive.
Albert William