So honoured to receive an award at the European Parliament and the Commission by the president Jean Claude Juncker. I was so nervous my heart was almost popping out. I didn’t realise I was supposed to give a speech so I was not prepared to say more than thank you. But when they offered me more time I took the opportunity to mention the challenges Europe is facing with racism, sexism, segregation, polarisation and the growing gaps dividing us. To be frank, I think Erasmus is the best EU has ever done as an antidote to the darkness.
With Cecilia Malmström, EU-commissioner
Before I took the floor the lovely Swedish Commissioner Cecilia Malmström advised me to speak in Swedish since there is translation. So I switched and felt quite confused speaking Swedish to Greek parliamentarians I know. Click HERE to get a glimpse from my contribution.
So how did I, a migrant- and working class-kid, end up at that stage?
It all started when I studied political science and international relations at the University of Stockholm. One day I found a brochure about Erasmus Scholarship. I applied and next thing I was studying political sociology and philosophy at the University of Crete. That year opened not only my mind and my heart but also many doors. Thanks to my Erasmus-studies a decade later I could host the European Election Polls, the Eurovision, talkshows and galas in Greek TV and also present the Olympics 2004 for Swedish TV, write books and articles, report and do documentaries on the Greek Crisis. It was such an inspiring and empowering experience that I just wish I could do it again. If you’re currently studying please don’t miss the chance. It will change your life for ever!
Note that I’m only one out of 9 million beneficiaries that got the privilege during the 30 years Erasmus is celebrating this year. In Strasbourg I also had the pleasure to meet some other Erasmus-students – one of them is Tiago – now the minister of Education in Portugal.
With Tiago from Portugal (left) & Jens from Germany
It was great to meet the commissioners and Swedish and Greek Members of European Parliament and also give some interviews to European networks on the importance of building bridges and celebrate unity in diversity.
Theodor Zagorakis – captain of the Golden Greek National Football Team that won Euro 2004. Now a EMP.
Thanks a lot to the EU and the president Jean Claude Juncker and everybody involved for an unforgettable experience.
Alexandra Pascalidou – the yellow dot
With Jean Claude Juncker, president of the EU Commission.
With Apiyo Okwiri from Belgium
Hi,
Maybe one of Erasmus students could do some research and recommendations on how to continue working with surveillance and the open internet, such as I have suggested to Cecilia Malmström, speaking of Snowden’s disclosure. For example, who else but NSA and similar agencies have access to those kind of tools? What happens when we are intruded upon by a person acting outside of the scope of the law without probable cause, such as a stalker? Maybe even Baker Karim could do a movie about it, whom I auditioned for to his screening called ”Four women” in 2003 or so.
Regards,
/Hannah Telluselle
PS. This is why I take my topics to the UN, as inspired by my time with ASSE and IKU, speaking of exchange students, and later as member of UNA-USA and the UN-club at Hawaii Pacific University.