My Journey of Strength, Resilience, and Faith

A woman’s life, no matter where she is in the world, is filled with challenges, and here in Greece, it is no different. My journey has been far from conventional. I did not have the carefree childhood many envision, filled with toys and laughter. Instead, my early years were shaped by resilience, hard work, and an unshakable determination to build a better future.

Born and raised in Serres, a small city in Central Macedonia, I grew up in a low-income family where my father was a farmer. We had only a few acres of land, and survival meant that every family member had to contribute. From the age of six, my sister and I were already in the fields, helping with simple tasks at first, but as we grew older, so did our responsibilities. By the time I was ten, I was also helping sell our produce to taverns, restaurants, and cafes—an experience that taught me negotiation, perseverance, and the reality of hard work at a young age.

At sixteen, I had to stop working in sales, not by choice, but because my blossoming body attracted unwanted attention and harassment. That moment marked a turning point—I shifted my focus entirely to my education, determined to escape the limitations society tried to impose on me. My dream was to enter the medical field and help the sick, driven by a deep desire to make a difference.

Life, however, had its own plans. My father fell ill with heart disease and could no longer work, forcing my mother to become a caregiver for the elderly to support our family. His pension was barely enough, but despite their hardships, my parents never wavered in their dedication to providing for us. They sacrificed their own well-being so we could have a chance at a better future, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Their struggles became my greatest life lesson—strength, resilience, and unwavering love.

Despite the difficulties, I managed to get into university in Heraklion, Crete, where I studied Technology of Medical Systems and Telemedicine. I worked throughout my studies to support myself, proving that perseverance and determination could move mountains. But just as I was completing my degree in 2004, life struck me with another painful blow—I lost my father. The grief was overwhelming, and I nearly fell into depression. But then, I met my husband, who became my anchor, helping me navigate through my darkest days.

Motherhood brought both immense joy and heart-wrenching sorrow. In 2006, I had my daughter, but the years that followed were filled with loss as I endured three miscarriages due to autoimmune issues. It was devastating. Yet, in 2013, I was blessed with my son. Through it all, I learned that pain can break us or make us stronger—and I chose strength. My faith in God, the love of my family, and the power of prayer carried me through those dark days. My son, born seven years after my daughter, was my greatest blessing and a testament to the beauty of hope and perseverance.

Beyond my studies, I had always loved teaching, so I pursued certification as an English teacher. I taught for a short time at a vocational institution, specializing in hospital information systems, but securing a permanent teaching position proved impossible. The financial crisis in Greece made stable jobs in my field nearly unattainable, and like many of my generation, I faced the difficult reality that my degree alone was not enough. Many young Greeks were forced to leave the country in search of better opportunities, but I chose a different path—I decided to build something on my own.

I started working online as a translator (English to Greek and vice versa), but translation agencies underpaid heavily. Realizing I needed to diversify, I took courses, earned certifications, and continually expanded my skill set. I refused to let my circumstances define me. Over the years, I transitioned through multiple roles—article writer, virtual assistant, voice-over artist, transcriber, and video creator. During the COVID pandemic, I found a new purpose: helping other moms establish their online presence as service providers or sellers, or assisting them with anything internet-related. I guided them both mentally and practically, providing strategies, tips, and hacks—everything they needed to gain financial freedom while balancing family and faith.

Since October, I have also returned to my academic roots, teaching medical science and technology of medical instruments at a Professional Educational Institution for five hours per week. Teaching, whether online or offline, has always been my passion, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to pursue it once again.

Despite the dream I have built, which allows me to support my family while following my faith and values, prejudice still exists. Many people cannot grasp the idea that working from home is a "real job." They assume that because I do not leave the house for work, I am not actually working. But I know the truth, and that is all that matters.

My life embodies the true Greek spirit—strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome financial crises and personal hardships. Like all Greeks, I celebrate every small victory with passion, embracing life as if there is no tomorrow. Because at the end of the day, life is about pushing forward, regardless of the obstacles in our path.

To every woman out there reading this: If I could follow my heart and carve my own path, so can you. Never give up on your dreams and goals. The moment you give up, everything stops. Do not let the judgment of others rob you of your confidence. And do not let perfectionism or procrastination stand in your way—these are the biggest mistakes we can make. I have been there, and I know that success is not about waiting for the perfect moment—it is about taking action.

Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Having someone who believes in your dream makes all the difference. And most importantly, stay true to yourself. Never change who you are to fit into someone else's expectations, especially those who do not respect or understand your journey. Your dreams matter. Your voice matters. Keep pushing forward, and never stop believing in yourself.

Because if I could rise above the struggles, so can you.

With love and faith, Andromache Polychroniou

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