March 2011 - City College

Interview with Marianna Pantopoulou,
3rd Level, Finance Track
Q: Why did you chose the finance track?
A: I chose the finance track because I think that it offers
more opportunities and broader areas to focus on to get
a better job. Although I knew it would be a rather hard
track to follow, the worldwide economic situation forced
me to choose it to better understand current developments.
I also prefer to attend more practical units,
whereas the marketing and management tracks are
mainly comprised of theoretical ones.
Q: I am aware that you are currently studying at two
universities. How are you holding up?
A: Oh, that’s a good question! To be honest, it is rather
difficult because of the tight schedules, and my presence
is mandatory in both. I try to attend the most important
classes in the nursing school but my priority is
my studies at CITY.
Q: Which one is more demanding? Why?
A: There is no doubt that CITY is more demanding than
the nursing school. That is due to many reasons, one
being that Greek universities are in general not that demanding.
For the nursing school, studying is mostly
required during the exam period, whereas for CITY
studying is a daily routine. Of course, it is my choice to
study harder for CITY because it provides me with better
and more serious education.
Q: Why have you chosen two different specialisations?
A: It all started when I got accepted to the nursing
school. However, becoming a nurse was not what I
really wanted to do. So, I thought I could combine economics
and business knowledge with nursing in order to
get a health services management position. In any
case, I like obtaining knowledge from different areas.
Q: Do you intend to attend a Master’s programnme?
If yes, will it be in the business or nursing field?
A: Right now, my aim is to graduate from the nursing
school, which will take me one more year. Then, I will
decide what’s next. I would like to continue my studies
in the economics of health or health care management
fields.
Q: How do you spend your free time?
A: I don’t have much free time, but when I do have
some I enjoy running and having fun with my friends. I
also love travelling and doing sports! Of course, there
is always time for listening to my favourite music and
watching movies.
Q: Throughout your studies at CITY, did you make
sustainable friendships?
A: Yes, throughout the last three years I did make
friendships that still last. Unfortunately, due to my limited
free time I am not able to spend much time with
my friends but they are really supportive and don’t
complain and I thank them for that!
Q: Before interacting with people from different nationalities,
did you have any stereotypes?
A: Unfortunately, I did grow up with some stereotypes,
just like many Greek people. Fortunately, I am not a
racist and I wouldn’t avoid being friends with people
from other countries. I think it is up to each one of us
not to follow stereotypes and respect all people no
matter where they come from.
Q: During your studies at CITY, did you learn certain
things about the different cultures?
A: I have become familiar with some basic cultural differences,
but not too many.
Q: What was the craziest thing you ever did? Would
you do it again?
A: Basically, craziness is perceived differently by each
one of us, so I cannot define as crazy things that I have
done in my life which may just be unusual. Though, I
usually have a reasonable and ‘quiet’ way of doing
things, meaning live more ‘like an adult’.
MARCH 2011—ISSUE 20
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