Convocation 2020: Chrysoula (Chryssa) Lazou, Governors General’s Academic Gold Medal Winner

I am a graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, School of Philosophy, Department of English Language and Literature (awarded for candidate excellence in the Pan-Hellenic University entrance exams from State Scholarships Foundation). At present, I am an English language teacher in secondary education in the public sector and I have been teaching for more than 23 years in both the private and public sector. My teaching practices are mostly based on CLIL method (Content Language Integrated Learning) and project-based learning (PBL) and as such, I have enjoyed numerous opportunities participating in seminars worldwide for my personal and professional development. I have attended summer courses for PD in the UK, travelled to the U.S. as an IVLP (International Visitor Leadership Program) participant and got acquainted with international schools practices (in Seattle, Atlanta and New York), and I am an Alumni TIES participant interacting and coordinating projects with colleagues worldwide.

Athabasca University is an international university that, though demanding, allows for flexible and inclusive education on an academic level. I was lucky to find out that there is an AU Greek cohort that supports two Greek students every year as to receive a grant, the Northern Lights Award for Athabasca University studies. Given that I always aspired to go on with my studies, and especially on Distance Education to inform my practices on an international design framework, AU was the best possible option. As such, I did my best, worked on the requirements to be eligible for the grant, and submitted my entry! The announcement of my successful entry coincided with my return from my journey from the U.S. and I was excited! I knew that it would provide me with the knowledge and skills much needed as to establish my cooperation with the international colleagues I had just met!

AU fosters the development of a community of inquiry, that is, learning communities that share common academic interests through interaction with the content, fellow students, and instructors. During my studies, I enjoyed my peers’, study buddy’s, and instructors’ encouragement to voice my thoughts and originality of ideas and establish my position in a diverse learning context. This led me to gain new knowledge, collaboratively and constructively set high goals, and reach high levels of creativity and innovation. Despite spatial distance, there was no moment that I felt that I was a lonely traveler in this learning journey. I enjoyed the autonomy of an adult learner with numerous opportunities to transfer new knowledge in my own context, but at the same time, the social and emotional presence of my program’s learning community to rely on. AU professors were a source of inspiration to me. They kept encouraging me and acknowledging my efforts and commitment, making suggestions, leading my way to dig deeper in my academic research, and boosting my self-esteem and confidence as to achieve my full potential. Much appreciated!

Wearing so many hats in my personal and professional life, especially given my full-time job and motherhood—I am mother to twin 15-year-old girls—my studies were very demanding. I had to sacrifice my social life to a large extent, ask for my family’s understanding and support, and spend long nights studying or collaborating with my peers from distant places and different time zones. Nevertheless, I would not change any of the experiences acquired in this learning process. They were so meaningful and well-deserved, always remind me of my unique learning journey that transformed me from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Whenever reflecting on the challenges involved until the achievement of my goals, it brings to my mind the Greek poem “Ithaka” by Cavafy.

“…pray that your road’s a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery…”

                                                                                                     (from “Ithaka”)

Reaching the final stage of this wonderful learning journey, I feel the need to share that it seems to me that it will never have a finishing line. It was just the key to new doors and the path that will lead to new destinations. The skills, attitudes, and knowledge I acquired were the result of a painstaking, though well-rewarding, path which involved commitment to my goals, devotion of much time, and putting in hard effort. In retrospect, I can now infer that it is not the acquisition of another degree in my portfolio and CV that counts. My AU studies have transformed my life, and Ι will try to transform my community, especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic challenges the global learning community. I have already used the knowledge and skills I have acquired during my studies in Distance Education to alleviate this challenge in my own context and will further do my best, as promised, “for the advancement of learning and for the betterment of all”. Education belongs to everyone and should be shared, especially in the hard times we face.

In light of this, quoting Aristotle, “Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity”.

I am a life-long learner and I think that I will never quit from satisfying my inner drive for new learning paths. Learning can occur anywhere, intentionally or not. Learning instances are precious little stones that compose the mosaic of our evolution. Education is a powerful weapon we can use to change the world. Building on prior knowledge and working on newly acquired is always welcomed in my daily life, as a professional, a mother, and a partner in collaborations with my colleagues and professors, allowing for my active participation in the ever-evolving 21^st century global citizenship. At the moment, I am taking courses relevant to my professional field. I have to acknowledge that my AU studies have already played a crucial role in my further learning experiences.

Given that english is my second language, this award was an unexpected pleasant surprise. I always seek for excellence in my learning experiences, but this award, from an international, highly-esteemed academic institution will have a special place in my heart. I would like to share with you how moved I was on the announcement of this particular achievement, although this year my AU studies have been recognized and I have additionally won many distinctions among which four Silver Medals for: Innovation in Education, for Raising Teenagers’ Awareness for Social Issues, and for leveraging technology for successful blended learning practices. I feel honored and blessed that AU provided me with the chance to enjoy the best possible inclusion opportunity. AU has no boundaries. It transforms its students’ lives and I have personally experienced that!

Due to the pandemic and experts’ advice, I cannot have the celebration I would wish. Nevertheless, I have already made arrangements for separate family and colleagues celebrations! Apart from my family, I will definitely celebrate with my peers from the AU Greek cohort! Our AU professor and chair of the cohort, Professor Tsinakos, who I would like to thank for all his kind support, will be our special guest!

I already have plans for my professional growth that involve my cooperation with universities in Greece and associations. I have been invited by the Kapodistrian University in Athens, Department of English Language and Literature to train undergraduates in instructional design, work with professors from the Aristotle University on projects on Media Literacy, and have become a member of the Advanced Educational Technologies and Mobile Applications Lab of the International Hellenic University. In addition, I have just been elected member of the executive committee of the International Association for Blended Learning, offering my services from the position of IABL Secretary. I would much aspire to go on with my studies and pursue a PhD. I hope I will be able to make my dreams come true and keep offering in the learning community.