I truly love what I do. I love working hard and learning new things about video production and sound design every day. I love experimenting with the equipment, learning the software, and working with the people who are involved with it all as well. It’s extremely hard for me to find the perfect balance between working and taking some time for myself, whether it be relaxing or doing something I love, like hiking or shopping. Thankfully, life in Paros is much different.
Everyone in Paros is super friendly and relaxed. The weather is always perfect here, and there has yet to be a day where I didn’t come across a new alleyway, flower, or scenic shot that wasn’t mesmerizing. Everything about this place is truly beautiful and it can be easy to get distracted with all the fun things there are to do on the island. I, however, have somehow found the perfect balance between working and vacationing while I’m here, and I’ve never been happier.
In Paros, I find that I am motivated to set aside the time to work because what we’re doing involves documenting the beautiful and historic things that Paros has to offer. I’m inspired to share everything I see and learn here with everyone back home, and all over the world. To do this, though, means I’m also inspired to try everything that Paros has to offer. So far, I’ve gone on several 8-10 mile hikes, swam in the ocean, climbed on ancient ruins, tried a new place to eat or drink almost every day, and (of course) did some shopping. For this upcoming three day weekend, we plan to explore a new town on the island every day. It’s massive fun- and I get to spend this time with a great group of people! Oh, and did I mention there’s an abundance of adorable cats?
Before getting here, I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy my time here—that there would be too much work to do, that I wouldn’t like something about the island, or I wouldn’t get along with everyone on the trip. Now that we’re here, I find myself dreading bedtime, because I never want to stop working, exploring, documenting, learning, and surrounding myself with good company. Not only am I grateful for having this opportunity, but for getting to share it with all those here on the island and back home. I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience this at least once during their academic studies, because it is truly life-changing, and that’s something I never thought I’d say.
Eager to see what tomorrow brings and share it with you all,
Lydia Abshire