Two Schools, One Mindset: How Marianthi Learned to Think Differently

A student in Greece shares how balancing two academic worlds reshaped the way she learns, thinks, and defines success.  

Name: Marianthi Kokkinou
Program: Columbia School U.S. Dual Diploma Program
Home: Greece

Balance and Intention

If you followed Marianthi through a typical day, she believes you’d describe it in three words: “balanced, intentional, and reflective.” That sense of balance doesn’t happen by accident. She makes a conscious effort to divide her time between schoolwork and the activities that help her reconnect with herself: reading, playing the piano, writing poetry, and going for walks in her quiet, nature-filled neighborhood.

“I always try to dedicate an equal amount of time to my hobbies and personal interests and my student life,” she explains. Just as important as staying organized is taking time to pause. “I find it very meaningful to contemplate my thoughts and feelings so I can understand myself better.”

Learning in Two Worlds

That habit of reflection also reflects how Marianthi approaches learning.

As a U.S. Dual Diploma student, Marianthi moves between two very different academic environments: her local school in Greece and her global online coursework with Hudson Global Scholars. The experience, she says, has been “refreshing and rewarding, as well as challenging.”

Both education systems bring their own rhythm and expectations. In her Greek school, learning often centers on structure and mastering material for exams. On the other hand, her online courses through Hudson invite her into a more open-ended process that emphasizes creativity, discussion, and deeper thinking.

Navigating both at once has required flexibility, especially during busy testing periods. “It’s really difficult to balance everything while also dedicating time to my personal interests,” she admits. Still, the contrast between the two systems has become one of the most meaningful parts of her experience.

A Shift from Memorizing to Thinking

What stands out most to Marianthi is not just the work, but the shift in how she is asked to think.

“The Greek school focuses more on learning things by heart,” she explains, while her global classes feel “more liberating, improving my creativity and helping me think in a more out-of-the-box way.”

At first, moving between these approaches wasn’t easy. It meant adjusting both her schedule, and her mindset. Over time, though, that challenge became an opportunity.

“I believe the whole experience has transformed the way I think and the way I perceive the world,” she says. "Learning is no longer just about knowledge or performance. Now I see learning in a much broader way. It’s all about understanding people around you, sharing perspectives, and learning a bit more about yourself every day as well.”

Discovering New Skills and Creative Confidence

Along the way, Marianthi has developed skills she didn’t expect, especially in the digital space. Through her coursework, she has grown more confident using technology and exploring new forms of expression.

One discovery surprised her. “I have also discovered how much I like digital art,” she says. Already passionate about painting, she began experimenting with digital tools and vector design. “Since then, I have been creating in ways I could have never imagined before.” A simple class requirement became a new creative outlet that expands how she sees herself as both a learner and an artist.

Staying Grounded Through the Challenge

Balancing two school systems comes with pressure, especially when expectations are high. Marianthi has learned to meet those moments with calm and perspective.

“I try to remain very calm,” she says simply. When challenges arise, she doesn’t hesitate to contact her teacher. “If I still don’t understand something, I’m very comfortable asking for help. I believe seeking guidance and advice is always an important step toward meaningful improvement.”

Even her view of expectations has shifted. Instead of seeing them as stress, she reframes them as motivation.

“I see high expectations not as pressure, but as a reason to work toward self-improvement, while trusting myself.”

That mindset allows her to stay grounded, even in the most demanding moments.

Redefining Success and Growth

Ask Marianthi how she defines success, and her answer is immediate—and deeply personal. “For me, success is being whole and peaceful,” she says, “while going forward in a direction I’ve chosen, and not being exactly sure where it will finally lead.”

It’s a perspective shaped by her experiences across cultures and classrooms. She’s learned that uncertainty isn’t something to fear, but something to embrace.

“Sometimes things do not turn out the way we expect,” she reflects. “So it’s very important to remain calm, patient, and optimistic, while also living in the present moment.”

Growth is no longer about outcomes alone. “Growth is about being more self-aware and rooted in the present moment,” she says. In a world where students often feel pressure to constantly look ahead, she’s learning the value of staying grounded in where she is now.

A Global Mindset for the Future

Looking ahead, Marianthi hopes to study psychology, with a focus on neuroscience and human behavior. Her curiosity about how people think and feel is tied to her own commitment to self-awareness and reflection.

“I believe this is the reason I want to become a psychologist,” she explains, drawn to the connection between the mind, the body, and the way we experience the world. Her journey across two school systems has already given her the ability to think deeply, adapt confidently, and connect meaningfully with others.

Her message to students around the world reflects that same perspective: “Never underestimate the power of knowledge. Follow what feels meaningful to you and appreciate your present moment. It may lead you somewhere truly special.”