ABOUT

My name is Eleni Piniros, and I’m a senior at Edgemont High School in Scarsdale, New York. As the daughter of a Greek father and a Greek-American mother, I deeply value my Greek heritage and Greek Orthodox religion, both of which have shaped my identity. Greek was my first language; to this day, I only speak Greek at home. However, I also learned about Greek stories, culture, humor, and even Greek hand gestures, all of which became an integral part of how I understand the world and myself. Indeed, the Greek language is so rich and deeply rooted in the past that it forces one to embrace a new dimension of thinking. Some words don’t quite translate—filotimo, for instance, a concept that blends honor, pride, generosity, and doing the right thing all in one. Words like that taught me that language isn’t just a tool for communication but a pathway into values, emotions, and ways of life that cannot be explained, only felt. 

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Additionally, my pride in my cultural and ethnic roots has made me passionate about studying Classics and Philosophy in college. My desire to study this is a natural extension of my cultural heritage. I have grown up hearing stories about not only Greek mythology but also the works of Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates.

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The Agora of Thoughts presents interviews with accomplished Greek individuals from various professions, offering insight into how their Greek identities have influenced their lives and careers. (“Agora” means a public place, specifically a marketplace, where people meet for social and political gatherings.) I’m interested in learning more about the application of classical Greek ideals in the modern world, and how my subjects have incorporated their Greek heritage into their professional and personal successes.  It is fascinating to observe how these timeless ideals continue to guide people today. As a young Greek-American, I am inspired to carry forward this legacy and contribute to the connection between the past and present.