US Participants
Aggouras Jeanne
My name is Jeanne (pronounced Genie) Aggouras and I am from Arlington, Massachusetts! I am a 21-year-old nursing student going into my senior year at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. I am a very active person who loves to play soccer and run pretty much anywhere I can. I also love to sing, whether I know the lyrics or not :p I’m very excited to be apart of this program and cannot wait to see what new experiences it will bring!
Andreadis Alex
My name is Alex, and I am from Long Island, New York. I am a third-year student at Baruch College in Manhattan, studying Marketing, and also work full-time. If not working, you can find me in the summer focusing on my “Mediterranean tan,” going to the gym, and spending quality time with the people I find important! I am a very motivated and success-driven individual, open to many things…so let’s be friends! 😉
Argeroplos Nikephoros
I am 19 years old and currently just finished my freshman year at University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am applying to the business school to major in International Business and Economics. I am an active member of St Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, MD. I started my own nonprofit organization 4 years ago called Okay to Play and have started an internet business as well called Best of Breed Electronics. I enjoy reading and travelling. I am looking forward to being a part of Heritage Greece this summer and hope to form long lasting relationships with everyone there. I have one sister who is 15 years old named Vasiliki and a dog named Sparta. My father is from Sparta and my mother is from Dombrena. My mother was born in Greece and immigrated to the USA when she was 2 years old.
Batis Alexander
My name is Alex Batis. I am from Pittsburgh, PA and currently entering my junior year at West Virginia University, perusing degrees in Computer Engineering and Computer Science. My father, along with his parents and brothers, were born in Andros, Greece. I grew up actively in the Greek community as a member of the Ypapanti Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox parish. I am an active member of the Grecian Odyssey Dancers, where adults ranging from ages 15-55 travel the tri-state area (PA, WV, OH) to perform close to 30 authentic dances from all around Greece.
I am eager to immerse myself deeper in my ethnic background by visit my family’s country of origin, and look forward to the many great opportunities the Heritage Greece program has to offer.
Bermeo Athena
Hi my name is Athena Lazara Bermeo and I’m from New York City. I’m a rising sophomore at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and I’m interested in studying finance and accounting in the years to come. Outside of the academic setting I love traveling, spending time with my family and friends as well as playing soccer, squash and lacrosse. I’m looking forward to being part of Heritage Greece and meeting everyone!
Burns Katerina
My name is Katerina Burns. I am a junior studying international business and marketing at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. I come from a fairly large Greek family which is scattered all over the United States as well as Greece. My heritage is very important to me and I take great pride in being Greek! I have been to Greece once before with my cousins, Yiayia and Pappou. What an amazing experience that was! I am so very excited to spend some time in the homeland with a group of wonderful people from all over the states. This trip will not only bring a group of complete strangers to feel like a family, but will also allow all of us the opportunity to connect with our roots and explore such a beautiful country.
Camargo Karina
Hi, my name is Karina Camargo. I am a rising junior at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts with a double major in Spanish and German. I am 20 years old and from Westford, Massachusetts. In August, I will be leaving to study abroad at the Universitat de les Illes Balears in Palma de Mallorca, Spain for my junior year! I am very excited to begin my new adventure in Europe with this amazing opportunity to travel to Greece! Being of Greek and Mexican descent, I like to call myself a “Grexican”! In addition to this incredible trip to Greece this summer, I will be interning as a Legal Intern at Lutheran Social Services in their Refugee and Immigrant department. I’m looking forward to working closely in this environment to be more exposed to the field of immigration law. I can’t wait for this amazing journey!
Cambouris Jonathan
Hello, my name is Jonathan Cambouris. Firstly, I am excited to take part in such a wonderful experience. My family members have bragged about Greece for years, but they never sent me over. Given that this is my first time, I have no idea what to expect. Currently, I am a sophomore at Youngstown State University in Ohio, and am going for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. One interesting thing about me, is that I love languages, connecting with different cultures and traveling. Additionally, I actively participate in the Greek Orthodox Church, and I’m looking forward to seeing the religious sites in Greece. I’m an adventurer at heart, and I am very energetic… So, whoever is with me will NEVER have a dull moment! Let’s have some fun!
Charoni Allison
My name is Allison Charoni. I am from Seattle, Washington and am currently a freshman at the University of Washington. I’m hoping to major in Cinemedia (film studies), or something along those lines. I love swimming, biking, dancing, and hiking/backpacking. I’m also a huge music fan and am always looking for new bands to discover. I love Greek dancing and am excited to learn how to speak Greek!
Chulkas Maria
My Name is Maria Artemisia Chulkas, I am nineteen years old and was born on March 17, 1995. Both of my parents are Greek. My mom and my dad were both born in the US, but my father’s family is from Karpenisi and my mother’s family is from Agrinio. I am currently studying at Greenville Technical College here in Greenville, South Carolina. I plan to transfer in a few years to University of South Carolina in Columbia! I am majoring in Sociology to become a speech pathologist.
Constantelos Julia
My name is Julia Constantelos, and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I just finished my first year at Tufts University in Boston. I still haven’t decided on a major, but I am mostly interested in political science, history, and peace and justice studies. At Tufts I am involved in Amnesty International and work as reading tutor for first graders. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, running, exploring Boston, doing yoga, and traveling. I was on the crew team in high school and am thinking about joining the team at Tufts in the fall. I went to Greece when I was young and spent a few years learning Greek in elementary school, but I quickly lost everything I learned, so I am excited to go back and really appreciate the country and the language.
Constas Katharine
My name is Katharine Constas, and I am a junior at Cornell University. I just returned to my hometown of Ithaca, NY as a transfer student to study plant science at Cornell. I am interested in agriculture and food, and I love cooking, making music and being outside.
Denning Anne
Hello! My name is Annie Denning and I’m a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida and I am currently majoring in Psychology and Classical Studies in Modern Greek. I plan on going to graduate school to become a Physician Assistant and I want to eventually live in Chicago, Illinois. I work as a Resident Assistant on campus and I am also a Personal Care Assistant part-time. Learning to play acoustic guitar and hanging out with my friends are ways I spend some of my free time. I love music and trying to learn how to play my favorite songs on guitar. I am part of the Greek Dance troupe on campus and we have so much fun doing performances and going to Greek festivals near Gainesville.
Dimopoulos Thalia
My full name is Thalia Theodora Dimopoulos and I was born on March 9th, 1995 (I’m 19 years old) in Alexandria, VA—right outside of the Nation’s Capital. My parents are both Greek, my mother was born in the US but her parents are from Karpenisi and Agrinion, Greece; and my father was born in Thessaloniki. I am currently attending Marymount University, a Jesuit liberal arts university in Arlington, VA. I am a biology major on the pre-medical track, I aspire to go to medical school and become a cardiologist.
Douvikas Jenna
My name is Jenna Douvikas and I am from Danville, California where I live with my parents and two older siblings. I am twenty years old and attend the University of San Francisco, majoring in Communication Studies while learning to navigate my way around the city. Through USF’s service learning program, I have grown to become a socially conscious individual by working at the St. Vincent de Paul Wellness Center. I work part-time for a Swim School in their corporate office as well as teach swim lessons. I enjoy singing and have been chosen on two occasions to sing the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants. As a former athlete, I enjoy watching sports and staying fit through daily workouts, cycling, and yoga. I love to cook and serve many dishes that my Yia Yia taught me to prepare. Avgolemono Soup is definitely a family favorite!
Dudunakis Paulina
My name is Paulina Dudunakis. I was born in raised in Las Vegas, but I’m currently a student at SBCC majoring in sociology. My plan is to transfer to a 4 year college, receive my bachelors and then go back to school to receive my masters in psychology. My ultimate career goal is to become a criminal psychologist, and better understand criminals cognition process that inclines them to commit the crimes they commit.
Dulgarian Jackson
Jack Dulgarian is a Southern California gentlemen with ancestral Greek and Armenian Heritage. For him, being Greek does not only run in his blood, it is a lifestyle. When not studying Business Management at the University of Arizona, Jack leads his fraternity brothers as the Health Advocate of Beta Theta Pi and participates in numerous philanthropic charities. At home, he attends St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach where he won the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Competition two consecutive years. He also enjoys GOYA programs, including playing basketball and volleyball with his friends. Jack is excited to get back to his cultural roots as he embarks on the journey of a lifetime with the Heritage Greece program. He is thankful to all of his ancestors who came before him and wants to properly acknowledge their feats they have accomplished by going back to where it all started.
Gianopoulos Sarah
My name is Sarah Gianopoulos and I am from southwestern Indiana. I am a rising junior at Indiana University – Bloomington and I’m majoring in Management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a minor in Modern Greek. At IU I have been learning Modern Greek language and with that I have become more connected to my Greek heritage. As much of an impact that learning the language has had on me, I can’t imagine the incredible and life changing experiences that will come during this unique journey with Heritage Greece. Aside from school, I love working outside as well as playing golf and horseback riding. This summer I am interning at a regional airport and my career goals include working for an airport, airline, or almost any aviation industry.
Gergoudis Thea
Thea Gergoudis is from Richmond, Virginia, and is a junior at the University of Richmond. She is majoring in Biology and minoring in Elementary Education, as she aspires to become an elementary school teacher. All of Thea’s family is Greek Orthodox, and her grandparents grew up in Greece. As a result, she would love to spend time in Greece to better connect with her roots. Thea attends church at her local Greek Orthodox Cathedral every Sunday and was a member of the Greek Dance Troupe and attended Greek School. She is excited to travel to Greece to explore her Greek culture and better learn the language.
Irmen Nicholas
Hello,
My name is Nicholas and I am a Senior Marketing major at the University of Toledo in Ohio. My passion is learning the behavior of people in the market place and decision-making. I have grown up and lived in the same place my whole life and I am more excited than ever to get out and see the world my family was raised into.
Jensen Georgina
My name is Georgina Jensen, I was born and raised in Schaumburg Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I am currently finishing up my freshman year at Concordia University of Wisconsin, where I am working towards my bachelor’s degree in social work. My Greek heritage comes from my mother’s side. My maternal grandparents were born in Greece and moved to Australia where they met, married and started a family before moving to the United States in the 1970’s. I have been a life-long member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, Illinois, where I have been active in youth group projects. Most recently, I traveled to Tijuana, Mexico on a mission trip, where I worked on building a home for a needy family. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Greece Heritage Program this year and be given this wonderful opportunity to more fully experience and explore my Greek heritage.
Jordan Katerina
I am Katerina Jordan. I am currently in my third year attending Pharmacy School at Ohio Northern University, located in Ada, Ohio. When I am on break I live in Woodbine, Maryland, which is near Baltimore. My Mom was born in Greece and I have been raised in a Greek household where “Greekish” has been the language of choice. I wear my Greek heritage and Orthodoxy on my sleeve and love the fact that it makes me unique among my peers. I have a passion for photography and reading novels. My favorite activities are running outside, drinking frappes, reading, and Greek dancing. People who know me would call me an extrovert. I love meeting people and exchanging ideas and experiences. I hope to graduate Pharmacy school in a few years and work in a pediatric hospital providing patient care to young children.
Kamaris Robert
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, double majoring in Accounting and Economics with an International Business Certificate. Two of my biggest passions in life are sports and traveling. I love the competitive nature of sports and I thoroughly enjoy playing and following American football and basketball. I also enjoy exploring new people, places, and cultures through traveling. In spring 2012, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Sydney, Australia to explore their educational and corporate culture. Aside from my majors, I have a strong interest in areas of business including public accounting, financial markets and institutions, venture capital, private equity, entrepreneurship, and real estate. I enjoy analyzing business problems, specifically by looking into company financials, and finding solutions to those issues. I have a big passion for all facets/types of investing and one of my long-term goals is to eventually run my own investment fund. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I plan to receive my Masters in Accounting from Arizona State University as well.
Kokenis John
My name is Giannis and I just finished my first year at Hellenic College in Boston in the Religious Studies program. I was born in Chicago, but in Greece, my family comes from Amaliada, Kalamata, and Sparta. Though I am of full Greek descent, I have only been once. I have three sisters all within a few years of my age. The past couple years, I have been teaching myself Modern Greek, and this past year I began taking classes at school. My goal is to become fluent in the next two years. Currently in Boston I work for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis’ chancellor. This July I will be interning for a wind energy company on the island of Ikaria in Greece. Next summer I plan to visit my cousins in Kalamata and the subsequent school year study at a university in Greece.
Kokkinos Matthew
Hi! My name is Matt Kokkinos, and I am a 19 year-old rising sophomore at Northeastern University majoring in International Affairs, Economics, and Environmental Studies, and ideally, I would like to work as a Foreign Service Officer for the US State Department. I am from Acton, Massachusetts, a quiet town northwest of Boston, but I love being in cities and being exposed to anything and everything diverse and interesting. I am a second generation Greek-Cypriot-American (my dad is from Cyprus, but my mom is from America), and I strongly identify as Greek-Cypriot, especially after being in Greek School for almost 12 years, and my favorite Greek food is definitely pastitsio.
Konidaris Melanie
My name is Melanie Konidaris and I am studying Accounting at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. My dad was born in Athens, Greece and then came to America when he was sixteen years old. I could not be more excited to spend a few weeks exploring Athens like he did when he was a teenager! I love to shop, bake, and basically anything that’s fun! I can’t wait for the adventures in Greece this summer!
Krilich Neena
My name is Neena Krilich and I am nineteen years old. I was born in Chicago, IL but have lived all over, spending most of my life in Arizona. I am currently a junior at Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. I hope to pursue my degree in broadcast journalism in the near future. I am also a part of the sorority Delta Zeta. Delta Zeta has given me many networking opportunities along with many wonderful experiences. I have also been a cheerleader for the past five years. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I love adventure and to see new places and to experience new opportunities. I believe every person should have their own “bucket list”.
Levinson Juliana
Hi my name is Juliana and I am from Chicago. I’m 19 and am a student at The Manhattan School of Music studying Vocal Performance. I have never been to Greece and I am excited for this opportunity!
Lycas Matt
To introduce myself, my name is Matt Lycas. I grew up in Northern Virginia and have since spent significant time in Philadelphia, Charlottesville, and the Shenandoah region. I will graduate from the University of Virginia on May 18th with a degree in Neuroscience. Having worked as a student researcher in a couple different labs over the past five years, I will now be continuing my research career at the National Institute of Health’s department on drugs of abuse this August. Sports have been an important part of my life in the past. First playing lacrosse in high school, I then switched to rugby for my first two years of college. My hobbies include hiking, catching snakes, cooking, collecting vinyl records, and taking care of my pet snapping turtle. I am very excited for the opportunity to gain cultural heritage and look forward to the trip of a lifetime!
Markos Alexander
My name is Alex Markos. I am 19 years old and was born and raised in Houston, TX. I just finished my freshman year at Hope College in Holland, MI where I am double majoring in History and Classics and minoring in Music. I have a deep love of ancient history, kindled by the stories of Greek mythology my dad used to tell my younger sister and me. Music has always been an important part of my life: I began playing the trumpet when I was in third grade and have enjoyed playing in band, orchestra, and jazz ensembles. My favorite genres of music include jazz, classical, Disney, musicals, and film scores. Two other important aspects about me are my Christian faith, and my many years in Boy Scouts, from Cub Scout to Eagle Scout. Although I’ve been to France and Italy, this will be my first trip to Greece.
Michael Juliette
My name is Juliette Michael and I am from Winchester, Va. I will be entering my senior year at Sweet Briar College where I am a Business major and a Government minor with a focus in pre-law. During my junior year, I studied law at the University of Reading in Reading, England. Also during my junior year, I was an intern for Senator Mark Warner in DC. When I am not at school, I am sailing with my parents on the Chesapeake Bay. I also enjoy swimming and playing tennis.
Nicolas Tabitha
Tabitha Nicolas is studying painting at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. She is from New Jersey, loves the beach, boating, hiking, basically anything outdoors. Tabitha has been training martial arts since she was in the 4th grade. She has her black belt in Tae Kwon Do and her purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Tabitha is the oldest child of seven and loves spending time being active with her siblings on the weekend.
Pappas Danielle
Hello friends! My name is Danielle Pappas. I am a half-Greek, half-Italian American born and raised in New York. I am currently a junior majoring in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and minoring in Psychology and Law at the University of Southern California. My cross-country trek to California marked the beginning of the spontaneous adventure that became my college experience thus far. Throughout my time at USC, I have joined a gospel choir and pursued my passion for volunteer work in the Public Health field. This includes teaching health workshops to both primary and high school students in Los Angeles. In a couple of days, I am traveling to Uganda to pursue global health initiatives in sustainable living. Because I am very passionate about service and human rights, I plan to either work in the public health field (and join the Peace Corps) or pursue justice through the intersection of health and law. I also LOVE sports, since I grew up as an athlete!
Protos Sarah
Hello! My name is Sarah Protos. I just finished my sophomore year at the University of Notre Dame. I am pursuing a degree in accounting, and I am determined to contradict any stereotype that accountants are boring. In my spare time outside of school I am involved in dance and community service. I am really excited to visit Greece and learn more about the culture.
Russell Ellen
My name is Ellen Russell and I am a senior at the University of Virginia. I am majoring in Biology with a minor in Religious Studies and hope to attend Veterinary School. I am a second generation Greek-American and have grown up all over the Eastern U.S. During college, I have served as both treasurer and president of UVa’s Hellenic Society. In my free time, I enjoy reading, nature, my dog, and spending time with the people I love. I am very excited about this wonderful opportunity to explore my heritage, form new friendships, and all of the other amazing experiences this program has to offer.
Sacketos Kristina
Γεια σας! My name is Kristina Sacketos, I am 19 years old, and I will be a sophomore majoring in Dietetics at Indiana University Bloomington for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. Aside from pursuing my dream career of being a Dietician at Indiana University, I also involve myself in the Hellenic Student Association – a Greek club on campus – participate in Residential Housing government and corresponding activities, and am an overall active member on campus, playing intramural volleyball and singing and acting in musicals and choirs. Being Greek is not just a nationality to me, but it is how I live my life! I am extremely excited to embark on this journey with Heritage Greece, not only to visit a country that’s so dear to my identity, but also to discover more about the Greek culture first-hand.
Sarafoglou Lucianna
My name is Lucianna Sarafoglou and I am going to be a senior at Assumption College this coming fall. I am a Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies major with a concentration in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After I graduate, I plan on going to graduate school to become a licensed speech language pathologist. I am from Easton, Massachusetts. I have two sisters, Afroditi and Athena, whom I am very close to. I am a member of Assumption’s chapter of National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship club, Relay for Life, and I am the secretary of TUA, the Human Services National Honor Society. I volunteered over the summer at Yawkey House of Possibilities for children with disabilities and I also volunteer through the Orthodox Christian Fellowship club and TUA at my school. During the wintertime, I volunteer at My Brother’s Keeper in Easton, MA.
Screbo Albert
Albert Scerbo hails from Yardley, Pennsylvania, located just outside of Philadelphia. He is currently a student at Georgetown University, where he is majoring in Government and minoring in Arabic and Business Administration. In addition to his studies, Albert serves on the board of Georgetown Individuals Vocal and Energetic for Service (GIVES) a kindness club/service organization as well as the GU Hawaii Club. He can often be found searching for new music to play on his radio show, The Rollerblade Brigade, or acting in various Georgetown plays. His family hails from the island of Karpathos, and he is thrilled to learn more about his culture and family history during his time with Heritage Greece.
Scruggs Kendra
I am from San Diego, California and attend school at the University of San Francisco. I just finished my sophomore year there and I am studying Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I am one-fourth Greek, and have never been to Greece or learned any Greek, but I am very excited for the trip and this experience.
Stamatis Stephanie
Hi, my name is Stephanie Stamatis and I’m from Cleveland, Ohio. I’m a current freshman at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, studying Public Health and Mathematics. I love to travel so I’m hoping to study abroad in India and possibly join the Peace Corps after college. I’m so excited to be going on this trip so I can see where my family is from, meet other Greek-Americans, and learn more about Greek culture!
Stavropoulos Athena
Hi! My name is Athena Stavropoulos. I am a sophomore at the University of Michigan. I love to sing in choir and with my a cappella group, The Harmonettes! I also love to dance, and hang out and laugh with my family and friends. My dad’s family is from Nafpaktos and my mom’s family is from Florina in northern Greece. I am so excited to learn, explore, and enjoy being in Greece (and eat!). I can’ t wait to meet everyone!
Tews Paula
I am originally from a Chicago suburb but currently go to school at Marquette University. I am majoring in Digital Media with, hopefully, a minor in Film. I am such a film nerd and enjoy watching movies any time of the day. I hope to be out in LA working on a movie set or television set in the future. One of my huge passions is video production and editing, and I have used that to make YouTube videos as a hobby. My other hobbies include reading and going to concerts. I’ve grown up experiencing Greek traditions and holidays and I also love traveling.
Weber Alexandra
Hi! My name is Allie Weber and I am 19 years old and from Bloomington, Indiana. I’m a rising sophomore at Indiana University pursuing a degree in business and communication & culture through the Liberal Arts and Management Program, with a minor in marketing. I love to travel, and hope to be able to incorporate it into my career. I am half Greek, but I haven’t been to Greece before. I couldn’t be more excited to share this experience with other Greek American students like myself from all around the country!
Wolfe Jessica
My name is Jessica Wolfe and I am a junior at the University of Central Florida in Orlando currently studying Political Science. I am working towards a career in Campaign Management and aspire to move up to Washington D.C. I enjoy lots of American television shows like HIMYM, The Office, and Parks and Rec; however, Korean dramas are my guilty pleasure. Music is one of my favorite things in the world! My favorite bands are, but are not limited to: The Black Keys, The Fratellis, and Bombay Bicycle Club. I grew up in West Palm Beach as the middle child with two other sisters who were the main reason I decided to stay in Florida for college. This will be my second time out of the country and I couldn’t think of a better destination.
Zavolas Marion
I was born and raised in Arlington, VA, just outside of the DC area. I went to University of Georgia where I graduated with my B.A. in English in 2012. Currently, I am enrolled at Marymount University where I am working on my Masters in Secondary English Education. I am looking forward to student teaching and getting into the classroom in the fall. I am very proud of my Greek roots in Karpathos, Greece and I enjoy good food, multicultural literature, event planning, festivals, cooking, and exercising.
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