Stefania Papakyriakou I was born in Thessaloniki, Greece at 27th of December in 1988. In July of 2014 I was awarded the Diploma of Electrical and Computer Engineer from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. I speak fluently English, very good German and basic Russian. In 2007 I was awarded the first prize for journalistic article and distinction in National Competition for reportage with title "All Different-All Equal ', by European Union Journalists Greek Department in Athens.
I took the oath at the graduation ceremony, and now what? After so much homework, time, disappointment, fatigue and tears I managed to be “worthy of the diploma”. Of course, this is not all I can recall from the years of my studies, but one month after the graduation ceremony and the exhausting last year, this is all I remember. Actually, what was I expecting? That after that moment, the gates of Paradise would open for me? Everything looks even more difficult and vain. I had to find a job, a boyfriend or husband, a car, a house, and start living as the adults do. There must be something wrong with me that I prefer to stay at home and watch the last part of the TV series (six series believe it or not) that I started and finished with unparalleled skill within one week, than to go with Sophia for picnic in the ancient agora[1] of Thessaloniki[2] . Who had this idea? Picnic on Aristotelous street at 7 o’clock in the evening under the exhaust fumes. I will go only because she insists by sending me one more message: “It is nice here, come!”.
While every time I used to pass the ancient agora towards the students’ haunts in Olympou street for a glass of wine, now my destination was the ancient agora. I see a lot of people, something is going on there…
You came!, Sophia is saying and is embracing me.
It looks nice here!, I reply.
We enter the place, a band is playing jazz, groups of people, couples, families, children, even old people are sitting on the ground and behave as if they are in a park or in the countryside for picnic.
My own reality needs a few moments of observation so as to adapt to the new function of this ancient monument.
Music bands, movies, beer in this ancient place.
I cannot concentrate on the film; I am trying to understand where I am. There, where I am now sitting, were people, thousands of years ago. We are a few meters below the level of modern streets and tower blocks. There where I am now, ancient people used to discuss, to think, to have trade deals. I am trying to imagine that they are here among us. It is strange, maybe even chilly. So many things have changed or not? Will this place exist after thousands of years? Will people in the future consider us so different from themselves? Will they have the same concerns?
I am leaving full of enthusiasm. I don’t know how but the ancient people of the ancient agora managed to make me forget myself. Perhaps when you think that everyone, regardless of time, has the same questions, this makes you feel better. Perhaps the fact that although so many events have occurred, there are still places that continue to exist, can help you to minimize your ego along with your problems.
[1] Translator’s note: The ancient forum (dated to the late 2nd or the early 3rd century AD) with squares, porticoes, additional buildings and odeum.
[2] Translator’s note: Thessaloniki (520 km. north of Athens) is the second largest city of Greece.
