Elizabeth Athanassidis

Interview conducted by Elizabeth Wahlert – Athanassiadis Freelance writer and editor

Elizabeth Athanassiadis has lived in Glyfada since 1973 and has been an international educator for forty-two years. In May of 2011 she became a member of the dynamic and diverse group of professional women that comprise Athens WING. Since September she has been responsible for the Member Spotlight Interviews which appear in the Athens WING monthly newsletter as well as here on the website. 

Elizabeth’s Greek husband, Odysseaus, whom she met in 1972, is a retired FAA aircraft maintenance engineer who worked for TWA for thirty years as well as four years as an engineer on theChristina, the private yacht of Aristotle Onassis. Elizabeth is the proud mother of two adult children. Nicole is the Global Business Applications Supervisor for UBM TechInsights and resides in Ottawa,Canada with her family. Michael has recently relocated to Wisconsin, USA where he works for Parts Unlimited as their European Division Coordinator and is firmly convinced that he has made the right decision for a brighter future in every aspect of his life. 

The journey begins
Graduate studies at Purdue University provided the catalyst which afforded the opportunity to meet and develop associations with international students on Fulbright scholarships and fellowships from around the world. It was during this time frame that Elizabeth’s developed a strong affiliation with Greek and Turkish postdoctoral students. She acquired and developed a keen Interest in Greek culture, music, poetry, literature, traditional dancing, Greek cuisine, and political discussions which she still continues to treasure. These interests were the impetus which led to the desire to visit Greece and Turkey in the early ‘70’s. 

Challenges
​A decision to relocate and live in Greece possess a myriad of challenges no matter what your educational credentials, background, and experience are. Professional women need to be flexible and resourceful when seeking job opportunities . The job market is now extremely limited and foreign women encounter more challenges when searching for jobs in their field. Take into consideration professional challenges that may be encountered when discussing your career goals with a Greek partner based on cultural diversity. Consequently you must be open minded, assertive and focused in verbalizing your professional goals with your partner. 

Inspiration
A passion for international travel combined with Elizabeth’s dedication as an educator are integral aspects of her life and character even though she has recently retired. She continues to take part in European seminars that focus on a diverse range of service and volunteer opportunities worldwide. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of her life has been her role as an educational coordinator for summer peace and conflict resolution workshops for Greek teenagers organized by WINPEACE and the Global Friendship Through Space Education Programme of SPACE CAMP TURKEY in Izmir , Turkey. These ventures continue to inspire Elizabeth and verify her belief that the future of Greeceis in good hands. Themes of global friendship, peace, conflict resolution, and the promotion of international understanding between different cultures are in her estimation vital for the resolution of conflicts between nations. 

Currently Elizabeth is a freelance writer and editor and provides professional consultations and advice for students writing research papers and theses’ for British and American universities as well assistance in writing college applications and personal statements for college entry , grants , scholarships. 

Words of advice

• Chronological age does not need to be a barrier to being a positive catalyst for social or environmental change.
• Good health is a golden crown that only the unhealthy can see. ( Egyptian proverb) Good health should always remain a top priority in a woman’s life and is her responsibility.
• Live life to its fullest in the present moment as opposed to the past or future.
• The grey skies may diminish , but will never extinquish the light of Greece. Believe in Greece.
• Life is a learning process. Learn or do something new on a daily basis.

For further information or a personal consultation:

Elizabeth Athanassiadis - Educational consultant / Freelance writer and editor
Post Office Box 70155
166 10 Glyfada – Attica,GREECE

athas@ath.forthnet.gr
elizabethathanassiadis@gmail.com
0030 6932152893
SKYPE Elisabeth.Athanassiadis 

For members of WING, Elizabeth Athanassiadis has offered a 20% discount on editing in English of business documents, books, personal statements for UCAS or American universities, letters of reference, CV’s, or scholarly papers. A 20% discount is also available on the creation of PowerPoint presentations in the English language.​