Greek-born alumna Marina Stamou ‘19 moved to Spain with her family and started at the American School of Barcelona when she was nine and in third grade. Her brother, Achilleas, who also attended the school, graduated in 2013 and is now married and working at HSBC in London.

Following ASB, Marina received her Bachelor of Politics and Philosophy with First Class Honors from the London School of Economics. Following a gap year in 2022, she embarked on her Masters in Environmental Policy at Sciences Po in Paris, a program she is deeply passionate about and is thriving in the vibrant city.

Back in Barcelona for the summer, Marina stopped by the school and visited with several former teachers, including her third-grade teacher, Ms. Meg Holmes, who shared a letter Marina had written to her 18-year-old self when she was in third grade! Marina also caught up with her IB art teacher, Ms. Ana Martinez, and her IB Literature teacher, Ms. Marybeth Thompson. Head of Activities and Community Service, Ms. Marta Vernet, remembered Marina’s mother actively volunteering in the SEED program, where she taught students about Greek mythology.

“High school is a whirlwind of friendships, challenges, and discoveries. Savor it because these are the years that etch themselves onto your heart. It was so nostalgic being back where it all started!”

Marina is eagerly preparing to start a summer internship at AXA Climate. She shared that life is significantly less stressful than it was during the IBDP. We are confident that she will excel, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.

See more photos from her visit as well as some throwback photos from her time as a student in the photo gallery below - registration required.