Published on 01 February 2019
New mum Konstantina Chatoupi is performing the ultimate juggling act – being a new mum and fulltime student.
Daughter Agape – which means ‘love’ in Greek – only arrived in the world eight months ago, just ad her mum was working on her dissertation.
It means University of Sunderland student Konstantina is now working round the clock completing her MSc in Human Resource Management while caring for the new love of her life.
Now, Konstantina has been nominated for a new campaign – Rate Your Mate - which aims to shine a light on hard working students who go above and beyond in their studies, life and work while at the University.
The 25-year-old was nominated by her friend Athanasia Palentza, also 25, who has been impressed with the way Konstantina has adapted to her busy life.
Athanasia said: “She manages to come to all her classes, to participate in weekly presentations, to help and support us with her previous experience - she also studied her BA here - and to study for exams and assignments.
“Overall, I think she is an amazing person, with excellent time management skills, courage and determination; a person who doesn't quit.”
Konstantina, who originally comes from Chalkida in Greece, is more modest about her achievements.
She said: “In the beginning, when I was pregnant it was quite tough, then when she was born I didn’t get too much sleep either.
“Finding the time to study has been quite hard but I’m lucky in that my partner has been brilliant.”
The mum is now looking forward to her future, finishing university and hoping to go on to get a job in the human resources department of a big hotel.
She added: “Even though Agape has a Greek mum and dad, she has never been back to Greece yet. We like it here in the North East and are hoping to stay in the country once we finish at Sunderland.”
Any student who would like to nominate their friend can email rate@sunderland.ac.uk and let us know what makes your mate amazing