Director for the American Friends of the Blind in Greece

Recently, I was invited by the president of the American Friends of the Blind in Greece, Mr. Bob Adams, to become a Director on their Board of Directors. I had known about this charitable organization for several years and this was the first time I had been approached to delve into the workings of the organization. After an interview process, where I was asked many questions and I also asked my own questions, I was satisfied with the transparent answers I received. I accepted the offer for this three-year term, and was voted in a few days ago. I am excited to be a part of this fine group of people.

I hope to contribute my education, talent, and skills in helping such an honorable and devoted organization continue its mission and move forward with its goals. 

We take our sight for granted, but what about those who have never had a chance to use it? They have been disadvantaged from birth. Others have diminished eyesight. I can empathize with them because as I grow older, I see that my own eyesight has been affected over time. So we must preserve our eyes as best we can for they are the pathway to the soul. We must also help those who have not been lucky in having eyesight. 

I recall watching the Helen Keller movie years ago when I was young. It had touched me. I could not imagine what she, as a little girl was experiencing. It must have been frightening. I remember shutting my eyes and trying to feel around me to see what it was like, and it was a little scary! But Helen Keller beat all odds and went on to achieve greatness. It can be done.

AFBG has done so much to help the blind people in Greece since 1946, such as teaching them job  and agrarian skills, and funding several projects. I am including their website here for you to visit where you can read more about their efforts and achievements over the years:

https://www.friendsoftheblind.org

Thanks for stopping by!

My presentation at the UC Virtual Research Symposium

 In April, 2023, I gave a presentation at the University of the Cumberlands Virtual Research Symposium.  It was about my qualitative research study for my dissertation on the leadership style of Edmund Keeley.

I had to upload my slide presentation and speak within an allotted time. 

I am sharing with you the 11-minute presentation here: 

https://cumber-my.sharepoint.com/personal/joy_levine_ucumberlands_edu/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fjoy_levine_ucumberlands_edu%2FDocuments%2FVirtual%20Research%20Symposium%20-%20Videos%2F2023%20Symposium%2F2023%20Live%20Presentation%20Records%2FApostolides%202023%20Symposium%20Room%201%20-%202.mp4&ga=1&fbclid=IwAR0EGnaDnKBD9Vp6hkV1dxUM9Tb7l7EJ_kTvi6_8Z5YgQHy_r8oYbkBPPas

English Classes

I am currently teaching as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Cumberlands, KY. I teach online English classes. 

I have been busy making videos for the classes. Here are some that I have made:

Mastering the Art of Effective College Studying: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QquieByKlvM&list=PLd-nrCmM2lxDI_zayly_eZvovyGgAThVS&index=2

The Art of Reading Assignments Properly 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1ztywWIa5c&list=PLd-nrCmM2lxDI_zayly_eZvovyGgAThVS&index=3

Writing Tips for College Essays: Crafting Memorable Introductions 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdXWyxPS1Hk&list=PLd-nrCmM2lxDI_zayly_eZvovyGgAThVS&index=5

Graduation Ceremony at the University of the Cumberlands

 Well, I finally made it! I am visiting the beautiful campus of the University of the Cumberlands, KY.  Today is the graduation ceremony.  The Ph.D. Leadership Studies Program gave a reception in the early afternoon, and met with several students and faculty. Afterward, I walked around the campus with my son.

Embassy of Greece Poetry Event

I am honored that the Embassy of Greece has invited me and the poetry members of the Hellenic Writers' Group of Washington DC to an evening of poetry. This is a culmination of many years of our group meetings, sharing our poems, publishing our works, and now being acknowledged by a prestigious organization. I am proud of the efforts of the poets and for the opportunity to showcase our work.

Recording of my speech at the Embassy event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ABR8cnaQSI&t

Photos from the Embassy event: 

First photo, in order of appearance from left to right:

Dr. Nicholas Patronas, Amhpitrite Constantelos-Manuel, Stella Lagakos, Maria Karametou, Dr. Diane Helentjaris, Marina Hall, Eleanor Pattis Francis, and John Bokas. In the second photo, I am standing behind the other poets.

        Patty with the other HWGW poets. Courtesy of the Greek Embassy photo.

Patty making the introductory speech

 

Adjunct Professor in English Department

 After I passed my oral defense, I was in a state of exhaustion. I had worked ceaselessly for months to get the dissertation finished. The end had arrived! I thanked my dissertation chair and committee members for all their help in the process. Meanwhile, I was asked by one of the committee members if I would like to teach online English classes at the university (UC). I was excited when I heard it. I accepted and have been teaching since then. Being a teacher is a leadership experience, no doubt. You lead your students down the path of education. You guide them and point out grammar and punctuation issues. This has been a rewarding position for me to be at this time in my life. It is a turning point and I am happy to be moving down this path. 

In addition, I am currently preparing to do a Virtual presentation on my dissertation at the upcoming UC Research Symposium. So am busy getting together slides for the talk.