Graduating mechanical engineering student Ereni Delis still remembers the first time her grandmother, whom she affectionately calls “yiayia,” the Greek word for grandmother, visited UCLA. The two walked through the Physics and Astronomy Building — one of Delis’ favorite places on campus. It was at that moment she realized becoming an engineer would be far harder than she’d imagined, though she was also up to the challenge.
As they reached the exit, her grandmother turned to her and said, “I get to walk these halls because of you.” Delis saw it the other way around. “I walked those halls because of her,” Delis said. “This journey to UCLA began long before me.”
Delis’ grandparents grew up in small mountain villages in Greece without running water, electricity or much food. They immigrated to the United States as young adults without knowing English or having any family in the country. What they did have was a vision that their children, and every generation after, would be educated. Her family’s courage and sacrifice helped shape Delis’ outlook on hard work and perseverance.
In second grade, Delis remembered getting a bright blue mailer from her mother. The Hellenic Foundation’s fundraising piece included a line from Aristotle: “Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” The message from the Greek philosopher inspired her greatly, not only because it resonated with her heritage, but also because it aligned with her desire to continue the tradition of excellence in innovation and scientific discovery associated with the ancient Greeks.
