For Maria Giannopoulos, FCRH ’28, being at Fordham University has given her a college experience she might not have been able to get anywhere else. While she’s only a sophomore, Giannopoulos has discovered new things about herself and her heritage, as well as hundreds of hidden neighborhoods in the city.
Both of her parents are of Greek descent, and while Giannopoulos has been to Greece herself, something she found right here at Fordham has brought her closer to her culture. The Fordham Hellenic Society, otherwise known as the Greek Club, has allowed Giannopoulos to become more involved in the community and meet other students who share a similar background as her. While this might seem like it’s just a fun way to spend time throughout the week, this club means more to Giannopoulos.
Being a part of the Hellenic society became an opportunity for Giannopoulos to learn ethnic dances. She said her favorite experience since joining was Greek Night. “Starting in the winter, the dancing troupe members would practice a variety of different cultural dances multiple times a week to perform at Greek night during the spring. Family and friends come, Greek food is ordered in,” she said. Giannopoulos described the members to be welcoming and has made some great friends through the club. Her retelling of meetings, events and relationships makes the Hellenic club seem like an extension of her own family.
Apart from her on-campus activities, Giannopoulos also makes the most of her free time by exploring the city. Having her campus within a much larger city was a characteristic of Fordham that really drew her in. When searching for a college that would give her the best of both worlds, with an enclosed campus and bustling streets right outside its gates, Fordham was the perfect mix.
“[It] has been such a privilege” is what Giannopoulos had to say after explaining the endless opportunities this school and city have offered her. Some of her favorite hobbies include reading and photography. This city allows her to pursue these passions and interests in conventional as well as unique ways. Giannopoulos explained that “since being gifted my own digital camera at 14, I’ve brought it with me everywhere I go, going on excursions just to grab some good photos.” Running out of new sites to see or views to capture is practically impossible in New York City. As a double major in political science and history, photographing the city is a breath of fresh air from her studies.
Along with taking photos, she loves walking — especially going into Manhattan and wandering for hours. Oftentimes, she’ll embark on trips to the city to find new spots to eat or visit a new museum. Since she loves reading so much, she has recently made it a point to find new bookstores each week. These excursions might seem easy to manage, but any college student knows that finding a way to juggle academics, social life, hobbies and responsibilities is a challenge.
Being in her sophomore year now Giannopoulos reflected on her first year of college and contemplated her journey: “I almost feel it is unavoidable but in a good way, because struggling to keep the balance will help you learn how to.” Now, during the first semester of her second year, this student has learned a lot about herself.
“While it is hard sometimes to tell people no, I have learned it is so important to set boundaries for yourself and to listen to your mind/body when making decisions,” she said. “I’ve learned that it isn’t selfish to take time [for] myself to relax and take care of my wellbeing … When it comes to responsibilities and academics, I make sure to allot myself time each day for work and studying, taking well-needed breaks and walks in between.”
One way Giannopoulos relaxes is by sitting on a bench near Edwards Parade and reading on her Kindle. She can usually be found with an iced vanilla latte from BKG in her hand.
Giannopoulos is an extraordinary student here at Fordham with a unique story. She has overcome the classic challenges that many other college students encounter, but she has a personally inspired way of combating them. She follows her heart, unless she’s aimlessly strolling around Manhattan, then she’s not following much at all.
She has found a strong community here and hopes to give back to it as much as it has given to her. Her ability to reconnect with her heritage while also embracing the vast, diverse city around her is a prime example of what students are able to do at Fordham University. Most importantly, she remembers not to neglect herself and her own hobbies and passions are still amongst her priorities.
