LAPI past, present and future celebrates our efforts and path, together with some holiday music and some reflections:
Much of life unfolds through chance—through circumstances we neither chose nor asked for. Yet meaning is not given by chance; it is cultivated through intention and reflection. In this way, we transform randomness into direction, into a calling—fate not as something that happens to us, but something we gradually take responsibility for.
Nothing is truly predetermined. Our actions ripple through countless lives and destinies we may never know. This lends special significance on how we use our time, abilities, and resources. Though our ambitions are often short-sighted, limited or even misguided, when joined with life's serendipity and honest self-reflection, they can grow into consequences far greater than we imagine.
Any hope for a better future comes from our efforts to turn our visions of it into reality. We share the same planet, and it is the sum of our choices and actions that shapes its path. If we pursue our aspirations with kindness, humility, mutual understanding and awareness of our limits, we can help we help ensure that what we leave behind carries forward the best of us.
Happy Holidays to all and may 2026 be a year of transition, success, happiness, prosperity and progress for all!
Some random fun facts:
- The mascot are "twins" we got from the Jungfraujoch (one for LAPI@EPFL
and one for LAPI@FORTH) yet to be named. Got a cool name to suggest? We
are totally accepting suggestions (just write in as a comment!).
- The music box in the beginning was a present sent to me by my parents
when I was in grad school. Remarkably, it still works to this day and
decorates the LAPI Xmas tree, and surprises all visitors and new
members.
- The first song I play on
the piano is a traditional Greek carol (Κάλαντα Χριστουγέννων) by
children on the morning of Xmas eve at every household they can visit.
So I am, virtually, doing the same! (the posting was on Xmas eve).
- The CSTACC/FORTH Xmas tree was one of the first fun group activities we
did in person after COVID lock down. We still use that tree to this
day!
- The small tree at LAPI@EPFL is
from our days in grad school. Amazing how that little tree lasted so
long and has been with us since my first steps in science.
