Konstantinos Samarinis, a high school student from Larissa, is among this year’s top-performing candidates in Greece’s national university entrance exams—the Panhellenic Examinations—with an impressive score of 19,040 points. His result secures him admission to the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), fulfilling a long-held personal ambition.
A Lifelong Passion for Coding
From an early age, Samarinis had a clear goal: to study informatics. He began programming at just 10 years old—a passion that evolved into a focused academic path well before his final year of high school. Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), he emphasized that choosing informatics wasn’t a last-minute decision driven by exam pressure, but rather the natural continuation of a lifelong interest.
“I’ve been coding since I was 10. Informatics has always fascinated me—and this department was my target,” he said.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
Reflecting on the demanding preparation period, Samarinis noted he didn’t experience overwhelming anxiety—though balancing school, private tutoring, and self-study during his final year posed a significant challenge.
“I didn’t feel intense stress. The biggest difficulty was managing everything: school, tutoring, and studying—all at once,” he explained.
After sitting the exams, he felt confident about his performance. “I knew I’d done very well—and I believed I’d get into the department I wanted,” he said, describing the deep sense of satisfaction when results were officially announced and his success confirmed.
Looking Ahead: AI, Cybersecurity, and Beyond
Samarinis already has his sights set on two rapidly growing fields within technology: artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He also hasn’t ruled out pursuing further studies or launching his professional career abroad.
“I want to work in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” he said, framing his Panhellenic success as the first major milestone on a broader journey in the field of informatics.
Next Stop: Athens and Student Life
With admission secured, Samarinis is now preparing for his next chapter—moving to Athens and embracing university life. “I want to experience student life in Athens,” he said, viewing the transition not only as an academic step but also as a personal milestone—his first time living away from Larissa.