By Taylor Rueff
Today marks two weeks since I left for Paros, Greece, ready to dive into a new environment, start my days early, and immerse myself in work. I envisioned setting up my laptop in a café or by the beach, embracing a routine similar to what I was used to back in America. Life is built around staying productive. However, I quickly discovered that the rhythm of life on this beautiful island is different.
In Paros, most places don’t open early in the morning, and the locals don’t wake up at the crack of dawn. I was initially surprised to find that many shops and businesses take a siesta from 2 to 5 in the afternoon, a “quiet time” meant for relaxation. This was so different to the constant hustle of the American work culture. Where it’s common to multitask, to work long hours, or to hear someone brag about how little sleep they got the night before.
The slower pace of life in Paros has been a refreshing change. Here, people take the time to enjoy their meals, rather than rushing through a quick lunch at their desks. It’s even uncommon to see residents on their phones while dining, let alone working on a laptop. Meals are a social event, an opportunity to connect with friends and family, fostering a strong sense of community. This goes beyond dining; the people of Paros value their leisure time, prioritizing personal well-being and relationships over relentless productivity.
This experience has very much impacted my perspective on work and life. The island’s lifestyle has taught me the importance of balance, reminding me that taking time to rest and enjoy life is not just beneficial, but essential. It’s a lesson in working smarter, not harder—emphasizing quality over quantity.
Studying abroad is about gaining new perspectives, and Paros has provided that. It’s not just about learning and working in a different setting but about adopting a healthier, more fulfilling approach to both. We not only came here to learn, to work, but to learn how to work better. While my next two weeks here, especially, will demand long hours and lots of hard work, I hope to carry these lessons with me, integrating a bit of the Paros way into my daily life, wherever I may be.
