Panhellenic Examinations
Anyone who has finished school in Greece has experienced, not only
himself, but also his family, the institution of Panhellenic examinations.
Even those who did not take the exam have been influenced to some degree, even
indirectly, by the exam atmosphere.
From the first grades of primary school, the dream of every student, but
also of his parents, is to grow up and go to University. The Greek
school is indeed structured in such a way that the admission of the student to
the University or the Polytechnic is a one-way street, as there are no
corresponding recognized schools of technical education in various fields,
where students could study and have a degree that will provide them with
vocational rehabilitation.
In this way, Greek students are anxious and agonizing every summer for
the exams that will secure them the title of student, to reward their efforts
and those of their parents, who have paid, for at least three years of high
school, a lot of money in tuition. Because without the tutoring, no one
manages to get to the University or the Polytechnic, except maybe a few
exceptions.
But what we have to say to the children, so that they do not get
disappointed, if they do not succeed, is that their life and progress, or much
more their happiness, are not determined by the Panhellenic exams. Opportunities
to learn things, to acquire knowledge, to change profession, exist throughout
our lives. Especially in our day, knowledge never stops and we are
forced to constantly learn new things. Also, in our lives we must have
choices and not be trapped in a situation like: this or nothing. A young
person who starts his life and every choice is possible, should not deprive
himself of the opportunity and the right to choose and change his mind about
the profession he will follow, when for some reason, he fails to do what he had
originally thought.
There are many opportunities in life, not just one, many possibilities
and several options, if we have the mood and the will to look for what suits us
and get it. It is a great pity that the young children, who have their
whole life ahead of them, are trapped in the dilemma: University or nothing.
After all, in our lives we give daily exams with our behavior and choices and
this never stops.
Anthoula P. Veziri
