I started my career on 2013 as cadet and since then I have been in Suezmax and VLCC tankers. Several years have passed and for sure I can say that things are improving. Things and people’s mindsets are changing. During the first year in the merchant marine academy; I raised my hand in the class to ask a question. The marine professor, then, told me: “Put down your hand, women are not allowed to speak”. This, probably, was not the worst experience I’ve faced, but it was one of the most impactful one to my career. It was then that I realized what I had set myself up for and I swore to myself that I would succeed.
Nobody knows what tomorrow brings but I can say that so far, being 26 years old with already 8.5 months of service as Chief Officer in VLCC, I believe I have kind of succeeded.
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We at St Thomas Polytechnic are so proud of you, Eleni. We hope that our academic community has inspired you and confirmed changes in your self-confidence and your view of your remarkable personal capibilities while facing the challenges in the shipping work environment. Women’s empowerment should be fostered at every educational level!