Dr Maria Gindidis is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University and Principal of Protypo Greek Centre. As a well-known educator and stakeholder in the Greek community of Mebourne, we asked her to tell us what her life looks like while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
What am I reading?
THICK by Tressie McMillan Cottom – A compendium, of 8 women’s stories that dissect everything from beauty to Obama to pumpkin spice lattes.
What am I watching?
Netflix series called Unorthodox about an orthodox Hassidic Jewish community in America. Also: Το Κόκκινο Ποτάμι (Η τραγωδία του Ελληνισμού της Ανατολής. 1908-1923).
What am I listening to?
The music of Marina Satti.
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How am I staying fit physically?
I’ve reverted a spare bedroom into a personal yoga room and trying to watch and do some yoga sessions.
Mentally?
A little meditation and trying to have one day a week off screen time.
What am I cooking?
Taught our mother to Facetime at 82 and trying to cook her Greek recipe traditional favourites.
One thing keeping me sane?
I livestream lecture to 571 students at Monash once a week, so I dance the first 2 minutes. Trying to create the joy. Students are sending me dance moves. Also teaching online at Protypo to over 500 children, their Zoom catch ups keep me joyful. This week (at the time of writing) was bring your pet to Greek School Zoom catch-up.
How does work look like now?
Yes working from home except for one day. My days are 16 – 17-hour days as I also have students now stranded in other countries. Online is more intensive, ask anyone.
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Positives of COVID-19 restrictions?
The resilience of children and university students. They humble me every day.
What have I learned about myself?
I can push myself to learn the most complex technology to create engaging learning.
Advice?
Dance as if no-one is watching 10 minutes per day. Immerse yourself in anything that gives you joy and smile. Practice gratitude and think of others who right now are really struggling. Remind yourself – and this too shall pass.
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