I studied Law at the University of Kent, followed by a Masters’ degree in International Law at UCL. After my studies, I moved to Vienna and worked as a legal intern at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and later on as a consultant at UNIDO and a Legal Officer at the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
From the OSCE, I moved to the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) where I have been working for the last 4 years in the area of personal data protection. While I was at WFP, the organisation had the honour to be awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize (2020).
Through the American Academy Larnaca curriculum, among other fundamental skills, I have developed strong drafting and analytical skills which proved to be essential in my studies in the UK and in my career advancement. Even though this may sound simplistic, I strongly believe that the fact that I was given such a strong foundation in the most basic skills (reading, drafting, analysing), is what still gives me the edge in my professional career. Other than the academic/professional skills, the Academy gave me a strong work ethic, a sense of belonging and purpose and taught me how to be a true team member.
I was highly involved in various clubs and activities while in the Academy. I was a member of the Brotherhood Committee, joined the Duke of Edinburgh club and I participated as a camper and helper at the Weir Camp. I was also elected to be the first member of the Cypriot Youth Parliament from the Academy in 2006 and participated in other conferences such as the first national session of the European Youth Parliament in Cyprus, MEDIMUN etc.
Studying at the American Academy Larnaca is a unique, life changing experience. Investing seven years in a highly academic oriented school with some of the brightest people as your classmates and teachers, shapes your character and helps you develop a variety of skill-sets. Some of my fondest memories are from our DoE activities where I felt we bonded the most with my classmates and friends, taking on adventures in nature and being empowered to solve any challenge with limited means.
Growing and serving is ingrained in our culture. In my experience, what differentiates AAL graduates is their drive not only to succeed but also to be of service. I believe that while we strive to be the best and achieve great things, we remain humble and eager to give back to our community and society. I am a strong believer in the individual as a servant of the greater good. What is more, the AAL graduates really stand up for each other. I have countless stories of AAL graduates, not necessarily people I was close with as a student, lending me a hand throughout my life from school, to the army, university and professional career. The sense of community does not end after the seven years.
