Meropi Poupa from Pella, Central Macedonia is what you call a true inspiration, as the 49-year-old working mother of 16 children passed her exams and has been accepted into the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki proving that hard work, perseverance and determination pays off.
With her eldest child now 32-years-old and her youngest being 9-year-old twins, Meropi decided three years ago it was time to start studying as she wanted to apply for an Economics degree in the hope of gaining more skills and knowledge that will, in turn, help her and her large family financially in the future.
“Three years ago I decided to start studying with evening classes as I work as an accountant during the day and yes, of course, I was anxious and wasn’t sure if I could juggle motherhood, work, and school but I did it,” said Mrs. Poupa who thanks her children for her achievements.
“My success is because of my children. They gave me the time out to be able to study and not only helped me around the house with cooking and cleaning but they were also there supporting me throughout my studies and making sure I never gave up, no matter how hard it was.”
In fact, she says, at the toughest of times when Meropi was ready to give up, it was her 17-year-old daughter who was also studying in her final year of High School, encouraging her to continue and now both mother and daughter will be starting University together.
“We will study together and it’s great as we are all studying at home,” says Meropi who is so proud of her achievements but says her biggest satisfaction in life is being blessed with 16 children who will always be her number one priority.
