Her high performance justified the efforts she put in both last year’s difficult year and the previous years she was “building” to achieve her dream. With excellent distinctions in science student competitions and first places in Physics and Chemistry Olympiads, he speaks 3 foreign languages and has a degree in harmony in piano and violin. She proves that people who have a vision and work hard, but also productively, will definitely conquer their dreams, proving that no goal is impossible to fulfill.
-I would first like, going back to your childhood, to remember if there was a time when you were fascinated by the science of medicine.
From a young age I was curious to understand the way the human body works, its biochemistry, the mechanisms of biological processes, to understand how a doctor has the ability to help people so easily, to contribute significantly to improving the quality of life, to extend his life expectancy. At the age of 12, following exams, at the Center for Gifted and Talented Children CTY Greece, I took part in a summer school in Thessaloniki on Biomedical Sciences, which excited me. This experience was instrumental in me setting my sights on medical science.
-This is how medicine came into your life…
The perspective of medicine emerged from the fact that for me it is a synthesis of all the positive sciences with integrated elements of empathy and the dimension of social benefit. It is a complex anthropocentric science that is constantly evolving with the ultimate goal of helping people and society as a whole.
-What were the secrets of your preparation so that your soul, as well as your mind, might withstand the challenge of the nationwide exams?
The preparation for the national exams was balanced, as I had a harmonious distribution of time between studying for the courses and physical and mental rest. During the day I devoted time, apart from studying for exams, to music, violin and piano, dancing, books. Certainly, the success in the nationwide exams is not the result of an over-effort in the last year, but it results from a comprehensive and continuous journey throughout my school years.
-Were there moments when you were disappointed, when you felt that you would not succeed? And if so, how did you manage those feelings and what gave you the strength to keep going?
Nationwide exams are a soul-destroying process. There are also moments when you definitely experience frustration and futility. However, in those moments I tried to observe, to learn from my mistakes, to see the positive side of failure, keeping in mind that “Tomorrow is a new day” with the possibility of starting over.
From her 2023 Person of the Year award
-Describe to me a typical day for you as a 3rd high school student. Did you have free time?
Without any exaggeration, the third year of Lyceum is dominantly, as we all know, the year of university entrance exams. Any free time I spent preparing for competitions and extracurricular activities.
-What emotions did you feel when it was announced that you were the first to enter the Department of Medicine at the University of Patras? Has this success made you anxious regarding what to do next?
I felt very great joy at this success of mine. I have realized that in my school I coexist with fellow students of similar achievements and I feel very lucky and grateful for that. With the interaction that exists between us, we help each other in the common goal, always with the contribution of our professors, in one of the most dynamic environments, such as the University of Patras, whose level, according to the international ranking system, is very high.
-Who were those who supported you from the beginning of your journey?
Certainly, from my early school years, my family helped me to understand that the purpose of education is not the pursuit of grades and “appearance”, but the essential development beyond the acquisition of knowledge, and the formation of “being”. Of course, there were also people who lovingly supported me and my classmates at the Greek public school I attended. I will always remember these people for what they did for me and they will forever hold a place in my heart!!!
-You are only 19 years old. Are there times when even you who know how much you’ve worked to get to this point feel like you’re living a dream?
When I think regarding how much I have worked non-stop to get to this point, I cannot help but feel proud that I succeeded, but also grateful, because there were people by my side who supported me.
-In addition to being a scientist, you are a young woman. Do you have time to enjoy life? What gives you joy?
Joy for me comes from many sources, such as the company of my friends, my family, the activities I have chosen… music and dancing, watching a movie, reading a good book, being in touch with nature, volunteering.
-What do you have to say to people of your age who, due to the economic crisis, are either thinking of leaving Greece and looking for work abroad, or have been psychologically affected to the point where they stop chasing their dreams?
To those who have been psychologically affected and feel discouraged, I would say to reflect that difficulties are a part of life and that every failure can be an opportunity for learning, growth and development. It is important not to lose hope, to show strong intention and determination in order to succeed.
-What supplies should young people possess today in order to reach their dreams?
The basic qualities that young people today must have are hard work, honesty, flexibility, critical thinking and adaptability. The cultivation of talents and skills is necessary, not only for personal benefit, but also for society as a whole. And as Nikos Kazantzakis had said, “Go where you can’t, my child”!
-What does one learn by achieving one’s goals?
Achieving goals is associated with habit, focusing on the best, achieving more and more often and with greater ease. Success then becomes a life attitude that radically changes our perspective on the world and our place in it.
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