Student Spotlight: Marianthi Finding Balance, Purpose & Growth

Watch/listen to the interview here.

How would you describe your life if someone followed you for a day?

I believe they would describe my life as balanced, intentional, and reflective. Balanced, because I always try to dedicate an equal amount of time to my personal interests and my student life. Intentional, because I plan my days thoughtfully. And reflective, because I find it very meaningful to think about my thoughts and feelings so I can understand myself better.

What is something on a normal school day that makes you happy?

What makes me happiest is getting time to interact with my classmates and understand them better. Those moments of connection feel very meaningful during the school day.

Do you have a favorite time of day?

Yes, my favorite time is my afternoon break. That’s when I dedicate time to my hobbies and reconnect with myself.

What are your hobbies, and why are they important to you?

I enjoy reading, learning French, playing the piano, going for walks, and writing poetry, which I started recently. These hobbies came into my life naturally over time.I started playing the piano when I was very young, so it became part of who I am. I chose French among other languages because I found it elegant, especially after hearing it on TV. I also enjoy reading, especially about psychology and business, which are fields I’m very interested in pursuing. All these activities help me reflect and stay connected with myself.

What do your daily walks look like?

I live in a calm neighborhood surrounded by nature and quiet cafés, so I usually go for walks nearby. When possible, I enjoy walking with my mother.

What is it like doing a dual diploma with Hudson Global Scholars alongside your local school?

I would describe the experience as refreshing, rewarding, and challenging. The biggest challenge is time management, especially during weeks with many tests at my local school. What truly stands out is the strong emphasis on critical thinking and creativity, which is not something most Greek schools focus on. Using these skills daily has been both challenging and eye‑opening, and it has transformed the way I think and see the world.

What skills have you developed through this experience?

My critical thinking skills have grown significantly, but I’ve also developed strong technical and digital skills, especially through online learning and the digital media course. I discovered how much I enjoy digital art. I was already painting, but learning to work with vectors helped me create in ways I never imagined before.

What has been challenging about managing two academic systems?

Time management remains the main challenge, but switching between different learning mindsets is also difficult. Greek schools focus more on memorization, while the American system encourages creativity and independent thinking. Learning to move between these approaches has been challenging but very liberating.

How do you approach challenges and moments of pressure?

I try to remain calm and patient. If I don’t understand something, I’m very comfortable asking for help. Seeking guidance is always part of meaningful improvement.I also remind myself of how far I’ve come and the challenges I’ve already overcome. Taking a short nap helps too—it refreshes my thinking and puts everything back into perspective.

How has your understanding of learning and success evolved?

I now see learning as something much broader than knowledge. It’s about understanding others, sharing perspectives, and learning about yourself.For me, success means being whole and peaceful while moving forward in a direction I’ve chosen, even if I don’t know exactly where it will lead. Staying present, calm, and optimistic matters more than having everything planned.

How has Greek culture influenced the way you approach school and life?

Greek culture has a relaxed, take‑it‑easy approach to life, which helps prevent stress from taking over. Staying rooted in the present moment has been incredibly helpful during times of pressure.

Can you share something about student life and holidays in Greece?

In Greece, we have Easter holidays that last about two weeks, followed by exams in May and June. After that, we have three full months of summer break.