Well, my story started when I was still at elementary school and wanted to join the Academy as I envied those with the AA uniform. The next thing I remember is me in the 7th year deciding to study Economics and applying to the University of Nottingham. Following my first degree and considering at the time the imminent accession of Cyprus to the EU, I chose to continue my studies in continental Europe and specifically in the College of Europe at Bruges, Belgium. The one-year study in Bruges resulted residing in Brussels and working as a junior lobbyist representing private sector interests. In 2006 I returned to Cyprus as an Economist for the Commission for the Protection of Competition, whereby I also began my LLB degree with the University of London. In 2012 I joined UNICAF, an international educational institution headquartered in Cyprus offering online University degrees, as the Legal and Accreditation Manager. Over my stay there, I was fortunate enough to travel extensively to Africa and the Sub-Saharan region whereby I had the opportunity to gain unique and life forming experiences. Since 2018 I have joined the Cyprus Fiduciary Association as the General Manager.
I am currently the General Manager of Cyprus Fiduciary Association. CYFA established in 2011, is based in Nicosia and is the representative body of regulated Administrative Service Providers (ASP’s) in Cyprus. With a vision to assist in forming a solid international business sector in Cyprus operating on high professional standards, ethics and integrity, we serve industry providers by promoting their interests, raising sector awareness, supporting their operations, contributing to new legislations and delivering valuable training to professionals. I personally have the responsibility of implementing the strategic plan of the Association, representing the Association before all stakeholders, and dealing with its day to day running. Furthermore, I am a registered Lobbyist with the Independent Authority against Corruption, have acted as a Mediator for Commercial Purposes and have been a member of numerous Boards and Councils.
How did AAL prepared me? By offering me the necessary platform and tools to develop my academic and personal interests which led me where I am today. The discipline, the passion for learning, the commitment to goals and teamwork are only a few of the skills acquired that greatly assisted my career.
Well, I learned how to appreciate friendships, I learned how to work in teams, I learned how to respect others but most importantly I learned how to think. Teachers that inspired me and shaped my career path; Plenty! Mr Anastasiou Nicos, my first Economics and History teacher who convinced and made me believe that I could excel in Economics! My 6th and 7th year tutor Mr Nicolaou Vasos for listening to my worries. Mrs Constantinou Charoulla who beared with me and the whole class for 2 years and actually found a way to give everyone a good grade. The late Mrs Pittakis Yioulla who showed us how to move forward and never give up. I can still hear our late RS teacher, Mrs Fotini Stavrou, ‘shouting’ in every possible situation the Golden Verse ‘Do for others what you want them to do for you’ or Mrs Pambou Maro with the classic ‘Where is your badge?’ teaching us discipline that has proved so valuable afterwards.
I believe that what makes AAL special is the more than a century old spirit and principles still maintained and passed on to every student. The proudness and the feeling of belonging somewhere unique does elevate thoughts and values. This cannot be measured and never abandons an AAL graduate.
The priceless question with probably an infinite number of answers. Literally almost every day at the AAL was memorable. Who does not remember and cherish hanging out in the yard benches, the morning chapel stories, the afternoon games, the sport days, and the after-school cleaning desks ‘punishments? Every day, every experience during or after school time, added one more layer to my personal and professional growth. Our whole life evolved around the Academy as it gradually became our ‘home’ for both the good and the bad. Thus, I honestly cannot distinguish a specific story even though i can confess that I am still surprised by the way I found the perseverance and drive to continue my worst performance ever as an ‘actor’ during our Don Camillo play before a full Auditorium, whereby I had to instantly invent words to complete my lines. This experience and many more similar ones powered me up in finding ways to elevate, handle situations and identify ways to escape my comfort zone and thus develop new skills and personal growth.
My advice is simple: Enjoy your time at the AAL. Make the most of the opportunities offered to you, either on an academic or personal level. Do engage in every possible activity. Play drama (I tried!), play sports, devote time to study, go to the library and search for books! Stay afterschool to help in the preparation of an event and go out with your friends. It is a time that you will form life-long friendships, a time that you will create some of the stronger bonds in your life, a time that you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and prepare for the future.
