The value of parallel studies: the example of English major Miltiadis Michalakakis
Combining a BA in English Literature from ACT and a BA/MA in Classical Philology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Miltiadis Michalakakis is a prime example of hard work and determination in pursuing knowledge.
Born in Larissa in 2000, Miltiadis enrolled at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the Department of Classical Studies, ranked fifth nationwide. While studying for his first Bachelor’s degree, Miltiadis decided to further his knowledge and expand his opportunities by obtaining a second Bachelor’s degree in ACT, in the Department of English Language and Literature, after being awarded a full scholarship at the 2020 scholarship competition. “I decided to participate in the 2020 ACT scholarship competition while being enrolled at the school of my first choice, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, to have a chance to experience a different program of studies and enhance my research by thinking and learning in new ways.
I consider my studies at ACT as a stepping stone and a new approach to my research. Furthermore, I really enjoy the multicultural environment and the diversity of the student body”.
Winning a full scholarship at ACT has allowed him to pursue a second Bachelor’s degree that has broadened his academic horizons by allowing him to participate in a diverse learning community and engage in discourses regarding different literatures, cultures, and disciplines.
Miltiadis’ primary research interests lie in comparative literature and literary theory and their applications in Roman and English literature. Miltiadis currently holds an outstanding GPA of 3,96 out of 4 in his studies at ACT. He is also studying for a Master’s degree in Latin Philology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki after ranking first in the entrance exams.
On May 19, 2023, Miltiadis participated in the 8th Conference of MA students & Ph.D. Candidates in Classics at the University of Ioannina with a conference paper based on original research titled: “Utilization of dramatic monologue in the conformation of narrative: The examples of Ovid (Fasti) and T. S. Eliot (The Waste Land).” His conference paper is a clear testimony to the blending of different kinds of literature and cultures (English and Roman) and his two academic disciplines (study of classics and English philology).”
ACT’s Parallel Studies Program allowed Miltiadis to obtain additional specialization in his academic interests. Due to the flexibility of the academic system followed at ACT, students like Miltiadis are able to cope with parallel studies, strengthen their existing potential and acquire new skills.
