Greek Student Who Lost Parents to Covid Excels in University Entry Exams

A Greek student named Dimitris Karakostas did extremely well recently in his Panhellenic exams despite the tragedy of losing both of his parents to the coronavirus earlier this year.

The extremely important academic exam results were released on Friday. Karakostas scored almost 18.70 points out of 20, a result so impressive– especially considering his circumstances — that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reportedly called the young man to say congratulations on Saturday.

Greek student excels in Panhellenic exams

Karakostas is from a town named Nafpaktos in western Greece. He lost his parents just two months ago, very suddenly, to the coronavirus.

His father, former deputy mayor Costas Karakostas, 56, and his mother, Nikolitsa Mourtou, 51, both tragically passed away after suffering with the coronavirus at Patras University Hospital.

However, the Greek sudent never stopped studying hard for his exams, which determine to which university Greek students can gain admission, despite the extreme difficulties placed before him in his young life. He was invited onto Greek television channel “ANT1” on Sunday evening to discuss his achievement and his call with Prime Minister Mitsotakis.

“I have always been interested in medicine as a subject, and what happened to my parents became extra motivation. I felt that if I could succeed I could try to help many people,” Karakostas said, explaining how he found the drive to keep studying for his Panhellenics despite his great loss.

“Everything got turned upside down — I was used to my parents helping me with my studying. Suddenly I had to get used to doing it on my own, with the help of my siblings, family, and friends. It was definitely very difficult, but I thought that since I have no other choice I had to do it,” he stated.

He continued by admitting that “there was definitely psychological weight, but I had to face it.”

Karakostas also had some words of wisdom to share with everyone watching the program. He outlined his message to the public by saying “whatever happens in life, even if it seems very bad, if you try hard enough and use all the power you hide inside without your knowledge — even if you do not succeed, you will definitely be very proud of your effort.”

When asked what he will do with his summer to celebrate, the Greek student responded, “I will go to an island, to celebrate with my friends, but nothing is set in stone yet.”

Phone call from the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of Greece took notice of Karakostas’ incredible achievement in the Panhellenic exams and his overcoming of these great obstacles in the loss of his parents. Mitsotakis chose to call the boy on Saturday in order to speak to him personally; he shared with ANT1 what the call was like.

“He congratulated me on my success and wished me luck for gaining entry into the university I want to go to. He also spoke to me generally about my parents, my effort and what I achieved.”

There are other leading political figures in Greece who wish to congratulate Karakostas. Sources claim that relatives of the Greek student are fielding requests from other politicians who also would like to speak to the successful student and give him their congratulations.