Is it possible that a white pleated dress with flowers, worn by the English teacher, indicates the career path you will choose? And yet, in the case of Efi Rapti, this happened. Okay, maybe, not only that…
Therefore, she studied English Literature, became a teacher and today she is the director of Diakoptos High School, having started many activities and continuing with enthusiasm and inspiration. Moreover, he states it explicitly, speaking to “P”. Its goal is “to spread our wings and fly!”
-What are the strongest memories from your childhood?
The endless blue of Pounta at my beloved Bank, the meeting with the summer groups from all parts of Greece, our games, especially the hide and seek with hiding places throughout the village, Grandma Efstathia and the chocolate paste after church, the grandmother Helen whose personality shaped mine. I think my summers, then.
-You chose to study English Literature because?…
The first meeting with my English teacher at the age of nine was a catalyst. I still remember a pleated white floral dress she wore that day at our house. I don’t know if this reason is considered sufficient, but that day I made the decision about the profession I would follow. I never changed my mind and never regretted it. My school was exciting, Thessaloniki was amazing. I enjoyed this trip.
– But you didn’t stay there…
No. I did my first master’s degree in English language teaching and after some years followed the second master’s degree in theater, which is also my great love. I am now finishing my doctoral thesis at the Department of Theater Studies of the University of Patras, on the topic of “difficult” adolescence through the cinema and theater of the 21st centuryu century.
-How would you describe your journey as a teacher from your beginnings until today – with the good and the bad – and what do you love about teaching?
I don’t think I could do any other job. Or rather I could, I just wouldn’t enjoy it as much. Life with children is what I love most of all. The feeling of giving love and being given back double, really moves me. You find the learning and cognitive part easier along the way, if you have managed to create a safe environment for your sensitive teenagers and you have won their trust with your truth. Times are difficult, it takes effort, there is also failure and disappointment in the squad, but we are moving forward. Many times holding our breath, but we move forward and hope for the best.
-Since last year, having been deputy director of 1u Paralia High School of Patras, you are the principal of Diakopto High School. What are your challenges and goals?
Let’s spread our wings and fly! I am excited to be able to make my mark on such a beautiful school. There is an appetite for creation and our recipient-students have their antennae wide open. We have started energetically with many actions and plans for as many more. Last year we participated in the 2nd Student Youth Conference, in the Antilogia Games organized by the Municipality of Aegialia in collaboration with the University of Patras, in the Student Theater Festival with our theater group, we attended programs, did trainings and seminars, participated in competitions, wrote poetry, we listened to opera. This year, we are participating in a Student Congress in Venice, in the 3rd Youth Congress, we are staging “Chickens” by Aristophanes, we are adopting the ancient theater of Aegira through Diazoma. And these are just the beginning. We continue with enthusiasm and inspiration.
-Incidents of violent student behavior have you encountered in your career? And since, now, they arise in droves, what do you consider to be the source of the evil and how do you deal with them?
Every day to a greater or lesser extent violence has entered our lives and the lives of children for good. Internet overexposure, unfiltered information, passive intake are the main causes in my opinion. Also, the difficulties of the adults in the house, the constant effort to cope with the demands of everyday life, burden the children and often lead them to explosive behaviors. We, as educators first and foremost, must be by their side, understand the problem, advise, discreetly monitor, help in our own way.
-If I asked you to list some changes you would like to see in Education, what would they be?
This now “raises” a lot of talk, which cannot be done simply. What is certain is that the state must stand by the teacher and support him in every way. The teacher holds the future of the world in his hands, therefore, he must have weapons in his quiver, weapons which the respective government must provide him.
-While raising your daughter, how did you manage the balance between professional and family obligations?
I have a wonderful daughter, my Emelia, a really, really good child, so I think I did well. It’s not easy. But you have an obligation to fight for balance, harmony, for your dignity, for your good external testimony. Yes, I think I’ve done well, although my daughter and husband would be best placed to confirm that!
-On difficulties, in general, what weapons does your quiver have?
Empathy, logic and sensitivity in equal doses. I always try to put myself in the other person’s shoes, to look for the other perspective. I don’t always succeed. And I have no patience, which I consider to be one of my main flaws.
-Are you dreaming…
Of course! How can one survive without dreaming? I dream of a world without diseases, wars, violence, abuse, inequalities, hunger, injustice. I dream of seas, smiles, art, beautiful moments.
#spreads #wings #students #fly
