Name
Effie Markesinis, Year 12 student at Balwyn High School
Your greatest achievements
Achieving a study score of 50 in Modern Greek last year and being awarded a Premier’s Award for Greek this year.
How did you get to where you are now
I extended myself beyond the textbooks and absorbed myself in all aspects of the Greek culture.
Your greatest challenge
Maintaining my Greek identity whilst living so far away from Greece.
Your goals for the future
To study law and work in Foreign Affairs.
Best moment of your life
When I went to Greece for the first time in 2006 and visited the villages where my dad and grandparents were raised.
One word that describes you the best
Determined
Person you most admire and why
My yiayia Efthimia who always puts her family before herself and who encouraged me to become involved in all aspects of the Greek community.
Best thing about being Greek-Australian
A strong sense of family is promoted and both are rich in tradition.
If I could say anything to the Greek community
Invest the time and effort in ensuring that the younger generations maintain the Greek language.
Most embarrassing or funny Greek (family) moment
At Easter when my uncle knocked over the lamb, just as my dad was preparing to bring it inside for everyone to start eating.
Favourite place to go or hang out at
Melissa in Templestowe
Favourite Greek food
Loukoumades
Song that I can’t get out of my head at the moment
To fonazo by Giannis Ploutarxos
I can’t live without…
My family, friends, and my computer.
If I was Kevin Rudd for a day I would…
Ensure Greek was made an available language at all schools in Australia.