A week and half has passed since we began our adventure here on Paros. We’re weary from hard work and sore from our travels, but the hunger for new experiences rages on. So far, we’ve seen historical monuments, kayaked to a church on an island, explored the ancient quarries and we are by no means done. Each of us has ventured across the island in search of subjects to interview for an assignment and have forged many new friendships along the way.
Sculptors, potters, actors, historians, alternative healers; Everyone on this island has a story, and its an honor to tell it to the world. We have arranged and conducted many interviews for our assignments and every time we are welcomed with open arms and incredible hospitality. Just the other day we all went to interview the president of Paros Park, Elzavet Papazoi, and she had more questions forus than we did for her. She brought out food and drinks and wouldn’t let us leave until she got to know each and every one of us personally and promised if we ever returned she would be more prepared for guests.
Everyone here seems prepared for company before they know they have any. Connections between people are highly valued here, maybe more than I have ever seen in the states. It has begun to rub off on us as a group. Without planning we leave to get dinner together, we don’t hesitate to offer help with assignments, we truly work as a team. That is what I hope to implement when I get home. The way this community works together and is truly reliable. As I sit here typing this the group chat is exploding on my phone. Someone is running from our quarters here at the villa to help record audio somewhere in town. The cooperation willingness to help between us has brought us closer than I ever expected. I have a feeling I will work with all these wonderful people again. This study abroad opportunity is the start of better things to come. We’re all going places, and we’re fortunate to have started here.
Written by Alcey Childers