Georgios Villias

Educator/Teacher, Public servant, World traveler

... From an early age I was inclined towards science and mathematics. I hadn’t decided whether I should choose to become a scientist or an engineer, but I was sure that I didn’t want to study economics or law school. I always preferred the real world; tangible and easily to observe facts, problem solving situations, possibly in need of manual labor or the conduct of field research. It was probably my acquaintance with the scout movement and the direct contact with nature that awakened my adventurous spirit and helped me decide in favor of the life sciences academic field. Being born in a country like Greece, a place thriving of natural beauties and diverse landscapes it was not difficult to be allured by the amazing world of biology and the unique biodiversity that surrounded me. Outdoor activities and travelling has been my “transportation” means to explore the world, to become familiarized with the unknown, to initiate myself into different cultures and civilizations in order to become able to understand some of nature’s and life’s greatest secrets. Travelling gave me a different perspective for life. Hiking at the glaciers of Svalbard, a remote island in Norway close to North Pole, chatting with Dogon’s tribe elders at sub-saharian Africa, diving at the Red sea, or mountaineering at 18,000 ft in Iran, are just some of my life journey experiences. After working almost 7 years now in the field of education as a Biology teacher, I enjoy my daily interaction with youngsters and I feel proud and excited to have the ability and responsibility of contributing to their intellectual and social development. I always seek new ways to enhance my teaching methodology and to change my students' routine to a meaningful educational reality with activities and life lessons that will have a great positive impact to their future .... thus, our future.

Traveling, Exploring, Space

What has become clear to me through my up to now life experience is that in order to evolve as a person, as a character, as a human entity, you have to keep moving, learning, feeling and most important of all, chasing your dreams and your goals.. keeping your inner spark alive... If you do that you can make yourself happy and with your energy you can make happy all the people around you as well ... "Carpe Diem"

Biology, Education

My first experience with TED was through some impressive animated lessons that I came across by chance.... It was love at first sight. I wanted to spend more and more time with TED and learn as much as I could about it...Magic was in the air and I was enchanted... After a few months, I made it official... I became volunteer in 2 consecutive TEDx events that were held in Athens and I was overwhelmed by the TED experience ... I wanted more ... Just like Coelho's Alchemist's hero, the whole universe conspired to help me achieve my dream and I got accepted to become a member of one of the greatest international families of educators that I have met, the TED-Ed Innovative Educators family. My attendance at the TED Summit conference was a true revelation. Feeling part of that great campfire, I will try to keep that fire burning, as a guide inside my heart & mind for all the next steps that I will make ...

cooking!