How five students see the Greek university ferment And educational changes, the lost semester and their future hopes
Theodosis is in his fifth year at university and has many subjects to pass but the struggle is more important to him now. He has been a member of the youth organization of the Communist Party (KNE) for eight years and his participation has increased over the last few months. «No student can stay away and not get involved in political activity. What is happening concerns us all. If the bill is passed, the whole educational system will be downgraded. The issue is not whether the graduates of private universities will take our jobs. The actual situation is unacceptable and the new measures will only lower the status of our studies.» Theodosis has had more time over the last six months to commit to non-academic activities. «I go to the demonstrations and protest marches every day, either at the faculty or in downtown Athens.» What about the students who were about to graduate and attend postgraduate courses? «The worries and problems of all students who have missed this semester are understandable,» he said. He is prepared to sacrifice himself for the sake of the student movement. He does not see things according to his own personal interest. He also believes that the sit-ins and protests have delayed the passing of the law. «The power of the students has been proven. We must not give up now. We must continue to uphold the rights we deserve. I also have ambitions and dreams. I would like to work outside Athens but I doubt whether I will manage it. That doesn’t mean that I should stop fighting now.»
