What inspired you to work for the American University of Beirut — Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo)?
Knowing the history of the American University of Beirut (AUB), and, personally looking for something new to accelerate my career I decided to apply for an open position at AUB Mediterraneo. I am really happy I took that chance because I love every aspect of my current job.
What about the history of AUB spoke to you and is that connected to what you love about your job?
What was really great to know about the history of AUB is the efforts of Dr. Daniel Bliss to create this prestigious university. It is truly inspiring to know that the values he established for this school are still kept and followed.
Laura’s very first publication.
You have a business, marketing, media, and advertising background with a keen appreciation for design. What kinds of design resonate with you?
I always loved anything that involved creativity, and I’ve always loved drawing. When I had to choose a career path for myself, I found that Advertising and Marketing were what best suited me. Since then, whenever I have free time, I love to make various designs for social media posts. It could be a post regarding the announcement of my new book or about a blog that I just wrote and published on my personal website.
You have a vast knowledge of and appreciation for literature. Some of your favorites include Agatha Christie, Bram Stoker, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. What do you think is important about these classics?
I still do recall the very first book I read and how blown away I was while reading it. It was a Greek book called The Songs of the Sirens by Elli Peonidou. I felt that time had stopped. I felt like Alice in Wonderland, but this was my wonderland.
I believe that every book has something to give you. The classics have the power to show you that true love exists; they show you a different way of the world. Other books might not have something that powerful but still, to read, you might improve your language skills and broaden your horizon. I prefer reading the old classics because they are full of symbolism and things to learn. Also, as an author, it’s really important for me to familiarize myself with the works of these great authors, as I am continuously learning from their legacies.
You’ve mentioned that writing is very important to you. Tell us more.
Writing for me is life—I can write all day nonstop. I have loved to write since I was a kid, but I started writing novels when I was 13 and it happened in such an unpredictable way that it only leaves me to wonder how powerful the universe is.
I believe that some things are fated to happen and no matter what those things will find their way. Since then, I have written a few novels but never thought that they were good enough to be published. It was also because I was never taught how a novel should be written or the way to write a novel.
I learned through trial and error and practice, practice, practice. I learned because I immersed myself. After the hard work of so many years, I was thrilled to publish my very first book in August 2023. It's called Become Korean in 6 months and it's available on Amazon.
Laura loves to immerse herself in music, literature, and art.
What advice do you have for other aspiring writers out there?
Something I came to learn the hard way is that just because you don’t feel inspired to write does not mean you should not write. Too many times when I felt uninspired and encountered writer’s block I wouldn’t write.
Eventually, I realized that in this way I would never write; I would always find an excuse to postpone my writing, so what I want to say is to write even if you feel uninspired to keep writing.
As they say, practice makes perfect. What is more, never edit while you are still in the process of writing, you will eventually change all that again and again and you will have just wasted time doing that edit. Do the edits after you have completed your work.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Work-related I’m pleased to take on more responsibilities as time goes by and I am glad about it because for me that means that I am doing something right and building trust. Writing related I am currently working on a new book and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
It sounds like you feel valued and are engaged with your work.
Yes, I really do, and I can only be thankful for the people here at AUB Mediterraneo who recognized my value and decided to give me this chance to work with them.
One thing I can say for sure is that here at AUB Mediterraneo you will always feel the strong team values and warmth. Your colleagues will surprise you on your birthdays or you will go to the office and find a coffee on your desk. We look after each other.
Knowing what you know now about traveling and learning about other cultures, what advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Never fear the unknown.
What makes AUB Mediterraneo special?
The way AUB Mediterraneo operates and the family atmosphere that exists between the staff members make the whole thing truly special. From the moment you get into AUB Mediterraneo, you feel that you are a part of a big family. Of course, the huge history of AUB needs to be mentioned and that alone is something remarkable.
Why should someone choose AUB Mediterraneo over competitors?
It is one of the Middle East's most well-established universities with a long history of academic achievement and I must amplify that it is a place where you will feel like home. Everyone is helpful and looks after each other. They will make you feel welcome and they will support you in everything they can.
Honoring her heritage by wearing traditional Armenian clothes, called Taraz.
What hopes do you have for the future for AUB Mediterraneo?
I truly hope and wish that the dreams of AUB Mediterraneo come true, and for AUB Mediterraneo to have prosperity and success as a university here in Pafos.
Are there any developments with AUB Mediterraneo that you would like to share with us?
There is a new campus being built that will be completed by the end of summer 2024. It is exciting and so nice that we will have a seaside view.
What is AUB Mediterraneo’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
The American University of Beirut—Mediterraneo is an institution of higher learning founded to provide excellence in education, to participate in the advancement of knowledge through research, and to serve the peoples of the Middle East and beyond.
Chartered in New York State in 1863, the university bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal ?arts model of higher education.
The university believes deeply in and encourages freedom of thought and expression and seeks to foster tolerance and respect for diversity and dialogue. This is something that every faculty member tries to pass on to the students.
What do you hope students take away from their AUB Mediterraneo experience?
I would like students to take away the new culture and lifestyle of Cyprus. The sense of family and belonging that AUB Mediterraneo has.
Laura performing a Cypriot dance at the AUB Mediterraneo CASE conference.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Most certainly it is, because it broadens your horizons, you meet people from all around the world and you get a first-hand experience of living and co-existing with people with other mindsets and lifestyles.
For me, it is a very crucial thing especially because I’d like to create a family and balance my lifestyle with my partner. Being around many other people is a guide to patience and understanding, and these qualities are important for the foundations of a family.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
For me, it is a way of showing respect to the people of the country I will visit. Also, it is scientifically and medically proven that learning languages will help you prevent a lot of health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, it’s something that will give you an extra benefit when it comes to jobs.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I would advise them to give it a try and go abroad at least once for studies. It allows them to experience all those new things that the hosting country can offer them, as well as it being a great experience.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, it’s an opportunity to see the world differently than you ever have before and reflect upon how far you've come to be standing where you are. Because no matter the reason you would choose to visit a certain country you still will learn something from that trip.
Also, in ways you never imagined, you will discover new life skills that will impact you and the way you see the world. Imagine yourself traveling to China and visiting the temples where the monks live. Just think who inspired and changed you will return from there. You will learn to be more caring, patient, and forgiving to yourselves and toward others.
