MEROPI FOTIADOU '00

March 1, 2007

“Would I go back to ACT if I graduated from high school again? Absolutely! I loved it and enjoyed it big time!” says Meropi Fotiadou, another one of ACT’s millennium class achievers (if you missed last issue’s Thanos Karanatsios story, read it here). Meropi completed her Business Administration degree requirements in a record 7 semesters and took the spring semester before her graduation off. With her plans already set to continue her studies for a Master degree in London, Meropi enjoyed her last couple of months of official “student” status and traveled.

Meropi is one of those people who enjoy waking up to go to work every morning. For the last 3 years, she has been working for BP Ltd, in London. She is an International HR Coordinator, responsible for Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, UK, Spain, and Germany. “In just a few words, my job is about managing international people and international crises. I love it; it’s so diverse, full of different tasks, challenges and surprises on a daily basis. The best part of it is the fact that I’m working with so many different countries and so many people from around the world. My greatest professional achievement so far has been the Cultural Awareness Project I ran for BP in 2005 with great success”.

Right now, Meropi is working on another project and has been living in Brussels for the last 6 months. Her main residence –and a city in her heart – is still London. “It’s a charming, cosmopolitan city. You can find anything you think of here, and you’ll never be bored. I’m not one of those people who complain about the London food or weather. We all know that the food and weather in Greece are beyond comparison but there are certain aspects of London life that balance the whole story for me. But I do miss certain things that can’t be made up for, like my family and my best friend Chrysa”.

Meropi thinks back to her years at ACT with fond memories. She speaks of her time at college as 4 beautiful years full of interesting people and dear friends. “What certainly stands ou,t when I think back to ACT, is the exceptional personality of Mrs. Anna Kalotidou and her unconditional faith in me. Her faith has inspired me in my life after ACT”.

Meropi leaves us with an inspirational message: “Listen and follow your heart; it always knows best. Be ready to face reality with a smile, be patient and go after what you really want”. We can’t deny it; it certainly seems to have worked for her.