By Miranda Prowse

Being in Paros has taught me a lot more about myself than I ever imagined. It has allowed me to clear my mind and live in the moment. I have gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities over the past few weeks, and I have this opportunity to thank for that.

Never in a million years did I think I would see my work on a poster and hang up around a city. I never thought I would be able to construct a cohesive story and edit a video using Davinci Resolve. This journey has made me believe that I can do anything I set my mind to. There might be bumps in the road, but the final destination is worth it.

I am excited to see how this last week plays out. I am looking forward to everyone’s amazing hard work.

This was an experience of a lifetime. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to collaborate with, create new memories with, and to see this beautiful area with.

Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, we don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone. Paros will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

Jake Bertram

Spending nearly a month on Paros has been an unforgettable time in my life. I came on this trip not only for the experience of a lifetime but also for an enlightening, soul-searching endeavor. I don’t know what it is, but there is something about Paros that is just going to stick with me. All the memories I’ve made, the people I’ve met, the new friendships I’ve created, and the idea that I am making films on the opposite side of the world and helping people to tell their stories have all just coagulated into this thought that I am on the right path in my life, both career-wise and personally.

There are a lot of things I love about Paros, and I could probably write a book describing all of them, but the beautiful sunshine, I think, might top the list. Feeling the warmth from the sun and the light ocean breeze combines into this absolute feeling of bliss, and I feel like it could be my Xanadu. Paros is a place I will once again visit someday, whether it be on my own, with a friend, or with a lover, I know in my heart I will be back here to bask in the sunshine.

Lauren Drang

What does it mean that I have memorized these streets, and they’re now stored in my muscle memory? When I feel comfortable getting breakfast by myself on the coast, what does it mean? When I have made so many jokes about moving out here when I know they aren’t really jokes, what does it mean?

Does it mean I belong here (or at least in Europe)? Does it mean I don’t feel like my true self in the States?

What does it mean?

It could mean a number of things. I guess I don’t need the answers now, but hopefully, I will figure them out someday. Until then, I will talk about what I DO know.

I know that this trip has been an incredible experience that I am so glad I got to have. With each venture to the mountains, to the beach searching for rocks, and even spending time in the villa laughing with the rest of the group, I know that this trip was worth every penny. Not many people get to spend three weeks in a different country doing what they love. They don’t get to make REAL connections with the owners of a cafe or crystal shop. But I have.

I know how proud I am of the group but also myself. We have pushed past the boundaries set by ourselves and have done so many things none of us dreamed of doing. And as a particular eater, the amount of food I have tried while here is astounding to me. I made a little list below. Looking at it brings up the memories of when I tried them with the others, and the faces that followed, good or bad.

What I have tried while here:

Octopus

Calamari

Passionfruit

Swordfish

Prawns

Lamb

Cherries

Weird green gelatinous cube with a walnut in the middle

Sangria

I know that I will miss this island so, so much when I eventually leave. This island gave me the courage to try new things and experience more than I have in a long time. I climbed rocks on the coast in Naoussa. I trekked a 40-degree incline to reach an interviewee’s home. I went on a sea kayaking adventure with a former Olympian (I didn’t know that, though, while sitting in the kayak with her). This island gave me the courage to say yes and not be (completely) afraid of the unknown. And I hope to carry it with me as I go through this journey called life.

I know that my adventures don’t have to end after this program, but it took so much to get here that I have that worry I won’t get out again. But on the other hand, this trip has given me such an incredible experience for my first time traveling abroad that I think it will be much easier now to gift myself travel than ever. I’m even going on a mini trip to a few other European countries after we are done here. I am forever grateful to everyone who got me here but especially to myself.

Ευχαριστώ και αντίο <3

By Jennifer Blohm

We’re about a week or so away from the end of the program.

It’s very bittersweet. I love this island, the people, the culture, the food… everything. I’m going to miss it. On the other hand, I cannot wait to go home. I miss my bed, cooking, friends, partner, and family. (And my dogs, of course.)

I think that this trip has been a great test of my knowledge and application of everything I’ve learned over the last three years. Getting to apply all of my skills, and fine-tune new ones, has opened up the possibilities for me to work (almost) anywhere on sets I might find myself on in the future.

I’ve also been so enamored with the stories I’ve been involved in, including my assigned projects about Marios and Annelize. I have never interviewed two more unique individuals in my life, and getting first-hand accounts of their stories really reminded me of two things.

The first was how far I’ve come from when I first started college in 2019 as an art student hoping to study graphic design and transferred to the MAS program a semester behind most of my peers. Now I’m graduating the fall after this trip. I don’t think 18-year-old me would have ever been able to picture studying abroad at the time. I hope I’ve made her proud.

The second thing was how much I really do love storytelling and listening to people talk about their lives. People don’t need to lead the biggest, boldest, richest lives in order to tell the best story. Every time someone tells me about their lives, I’m in instant awe of how much they’ve been able to accomplish in so much, yet so little, time. It’s humbling; a good thing to keep in mind when the looming crisis of graduation and the whole wide world starts to trickle in.

I’m young. I’m only 21. I have time, and I cannot wait to see how my own story is written.

By Miranda Prowse

Before coming to Paros, I was incredibly nervous. I had never flown out of the U.S.A before, never worked with cameras, and was worried that I wouldn’t find my fit within the group.

I have been on Paros for 2 weeks now, and every day gets more amazing than the next. There is never a dull moment, and there is always something to explore.

Everyone here is friendly, which has made my transition here even better. Everywhere you look, there is something to be admired. The beautiful climate makes the days go by even smoother, and the constant sunshine puts a smile on my face.

One of the best things about being here, besides the immaculate views, is learning new things. I have been a part of 3 interview setups and am even working on my own personal interview project. In addition, I learned how to do Matterport scanning and found out it is something I really like doing. I have also been working on multiple projects as a scriptwriter and created the poster for our project premiere night.

Coming to Paros has allowed me to relax more and just let go. Not everything has to be done right away, and it is ok to let yourself relax. It is ok to stop and smell the roses, per se. It is ok to take a moment and appreciate the beauty around. I have loved every moment on this island, and I cannot wait to make more memories during the remainder of my time here.

I had always dreamed of exploring the world, but I never thought it was going to happen. I am so honored to be a part of this magnificent team, seeing the beautiful island of Paros and all it has to offer.

The first thing to greet me was the light of the moon as it rises over the mountain guarding Parikia. I have fallen in love with many places before in my life, but never so thoroughly as this. With Selene’s kiss warming my heart, I hop in a cab to the Villa Katerina. I take note of the shops, taverns, and restaurants still open in the middle of the night. The people of the island seem to be thriving now, though I did not yet understand why. I arrive at my room after speaking with our custodian, happy that the journey was over, yet excited that the journey had just begun. Somewhat refreshed by finally arriving, I ventured out into the night to find a spot to have a drink and mingle, for a short time with the locals. As I walked around the streets, I began to understand the people of Paros. It is a small community. Many of the people still at the restaurants were Parians, not tourists. They were speaking of family, community, the work to be done the next day, their trials and joys. As I sat down with my drink, and interacted as best I could, tired from my journeys. With the long trek finally over, I gazed into the night over the sea, curious as to what new adventures awaited.

By Jasmine Martin

Even after a week and a half, I still cannot believe that I am in Greece! Just about everything about Paros is perfect. In fact, it has been so perfect that sometimes I wonder if I am dreaming about anything. The weather is always warm, sunny, and comfortable. Everything that I have eaten or drunk has been delicious and surprisingly cheap. The island is just stunning! Everywhere you look, there are either pretty flowers, gorgeous landscapes, or beautiful architecture that is either simple or extremely intricate. Also, there are cats everywhere! I seriously cannot believe that there are so many cats here, and while they are feral, most are friendly and will come up to you and let you pet them.

The work that we are doing on Paros is interesting and different from what I know. All the projects are interviews and documentaries, except for the 3D recreation of the Ekatontapyliani (one of the projects that I am on), which made me a bit nervous. Because I am not a film student, I, unfortunately, do not know much about filming interviews or editing videos. However, the group of students here are all helpful and nice, so I know that if I need help with any specific part of the editing process, they would be able to assist me.

I would have to say that my favorite part of this trip so far is bonding with the other students. They are all amazing people to know and work with. I am super excited to see how our projects are going to turn out because I know that they will be spectacular!

By Virginia Hooton

I have been on Paros for a week now, and I have been having a wonderful time. Every day has been something new and exciting. The first night I got here, I was excited to see what was on the island. Something I didn’t think about before coming to Greece, in general, was how much it is different and, at the same time, the same as back home. That’s the best way to describe Paros- it feels like home.

The whole island seems to call out and say no worries, take a moment to enjoy what’s around you before continuing. I have had to remind myself several times in my downtime that it is okay to slow down for a bit. There is no need to rush or stress. One day, I was at a restaurant with a couple of my friends, Jasmine and Jacob, and we sat there drinking tea and hanging out for about six hours. I want to say that was the first time I fully relaxed on this trip. I have relaxed, of course, but I think that was the first time I fully relaxed.

I also feel like it’s important to mention the street cats that wander around. Most are super friendly and will allow you to pet them, and occasionally some will come up to beg for attention or food. They come in all shapes and sizes, from kittens to giant cats. A couple of cats keep trying to get into the villa we are staying at, and we have named them Cement and Concrete, respectively. They have both come up to hang out with us for long periods of time just to be pet and given attention. It is a joy every time we see them, and I think they’re learning their names, or at least they know when we are calling for them and will make their way over to us. And will meow at us until we pet them, and it is the cutest thing. It reminds me of my cats back home, who also meow for attention.

By Lauren Drang

When it comes to my feelings about this trip, I think I was more anxious in preparation than I am now on the island. I was a nervous wreck the few days before leaving. I thought I would forget so many things and be stuck spending so much money fixing that forgetfulness. But that’s not the case. Instead, I feel at peace here. The climate is about the same as home, the sun sets and rises at the same time, so there were no great shocks when arriving here. Most of the time, I forget I am thousands of miles from home because I feel so comfortable walking these streets. The only times I remember are when we are driving through the countryside on long, winding roads with mountains both ways and the Aegean Sea ahead of us. I remember when we are eating mouthwatering, authentic meals on the coastline, and we take pictures of the sun going down the horizon. I remember when I speak with the wonderful shop owners and learn everything there is to know about Paros history. It seems funny that after all the effort it took to get here, the work here feels effortless (except for the perpetual sweating).

I am in love with this island and cannot believe we have been here for over a week already. In some ways, it feels like we just got here, but in others, I feel I have been here for weeks. Time goes by so quickly, and so many memories have already been made. I think there are already 500+ photos on my phone and even more in our group chat. I don’t think Thomas and Albert could have picked a better group. We work so well together that it never feels like work, which is the best thing. 

One thing I feel has changed since I’ve been here is my willingness to be uncomfortable. I am anxious about most things, so when it comes to *trying* new things, I tend to say, “oh, probably not today,” and then never go back to try again. But since I’ve been here, I’ve tried to say Yes. When someone asks me if I’d like to try part of their meal, I’d never order myself, “Yes.” When our interview turns into a mini hike up a weedy mountain trail, “uh, sure!” When we went to Naoussa, and the group started climbing on these gigantic rocks, I said, “why not?!” (I was in sandals, by the way… but no injuries occurred!). My point here is, that you never know what adventures and amazing views you might miss if you don’t climb up that rock. And if you don’t like the food or fall a little, you were only uncomfortable for a short time. Embrace the unfamiliar for the chance to experience something amazing, and I sure have.