*Interview by Klelia Klountzou – infokids.gr
I met Maria on the morning of October 16th, shortly before the parade began on Katerini's main street. In one hand, she held the Greek flag, and in the other, her childhood friend, Dimitra. Maria and Dimitra have been inseparable since elementary school! Two smiling girls, full of strength! Maria has been blind since birth. A fighter who never gives up! Her disability, as she told me, gives her even greater strength to pursue her dreams!
"I AM FROM ALBANIA! I FEEL MOVED AND PROUD!"
"I feel proud and moved that I was able to hold the Greek flag and represent my school! I thank my teachers and principal very much for giving me this opportunity. I am of Albanian descent. I feel wonderful because I love both countries. I have a special bond with Greece since I was born and raised here, and I am very happy to represent my city!"
"MY DISABILITY DOESN'T HINDER MY DREAMS!"
"I really enjoy school, and yes, I'm a straight-A student! I want to study philology or psychology. I'm in the humanities track and will take the Panhellenic exams to enter one of those two programs. Obviously, my disability presents challenges, but there are always challenges in life. I believe this won't stop me from achieving my dreams!"
"MUSIC IS A WAY FOR ME TO EXPRESS MYSELF!"
"The truth is, I've been playing the piano since I was young. I love it very much because I can express myself through it. I'm a naturally introverted person, and music helps me express myself either through singing or playing the piano. I'm not currently involved in any other activities because I'm preparing for university entrance exams. However, I would like to continue with music as a hobby in my free time."
"THERE IS RACISM IN GREECE"
"There is definitely racism in Greece. We haven't yet managed to address this as a nation. People often view my disability negatively and treat me with pity. They feel sorry for me because they think I can't do the same things as everyone else. But, of course, that's not true! Of course, I can do it all! We've seen people with much more serious problems achieve great things. That's why I firmly believe that we simply have to live and keep fighting."
"DIMITRA IS MY GUARDIAN ANGEL!"
"Dimitra and I have been friends for eleven years! We became inseparable from the moment we met! Together at our desks, together on outings, of course, we'd be together in the parade too! I feel safe and secure next to her! She's my guardian angel!"
"I'm very happy that Maria achieved top marks and represented our school! I feel incredibly moved that I accompanied her and we marched together!" says student Dimitra Keramidioti.
"By raising our school's flag, Maria wanted to send a message about inclusive education and equal treatment. Throughout her student life, Maria has been a model of achievement and character! She serves as an example for all of us and transmits some of her characteristic strength and fighting spirit!" states the Principal of the 4th General Lyceum of Katerini, Irini Paximadaki!
Source: infokids.gr
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