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I want to start with saying that you have made my biggest dream come true. From the beginning of this long journey, i had a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes i was completely desperate and started to ask myself what the problem was with my basketball? However, in such moments a spectacular man, a fascinating mentor and a great friend - Tassos Kaburakis- reminded me that I am great player. I worked very hard and I deserve this and made sure that at the end of this path, happy days were waiting for us. When I didn't even have faith in myself, he never lost his faith and hope. His wife Kristin and Tassos put this relationship beyond professionalism and have become my second family in US. Maybe you don't know, but when you start to live in a foreign country, having people around you that you can trust and get help with anything is the most precious thing. I hope things will keep going great in the University of Maine. I genuinely want to thank all Nomos family but especially Tassos. I hope words can manage to show my appreciation.
Ata Turgut
U20 National Team of Turkey
At the very beginning deciding this journey was very difficult for us, because we never knew about studying in the U.S. or living there. But, after meeting Tassos and Kristin, life had became easier for us. It was a long and hard journey. But, they treated us very friendly and made us feel calm and safe on this bumpy road. Tassos always called me by the Turkish word "kardeş", that means "brother". And also he treated us as his family. This was more important for me than the professionalism. I had known that he always worked hard for us. And I know that he was sincere in his friendly feelings. Me and my family are very thankful for Tassos and Kristin. I really want to meet them soon and say these words to their face if it's possible. This was a very interesting and exciting experience for me. It was a dream, but it has become real for Ata. Thanks indeed. I believe that the University of Maine and the team Black Bears is a correct choice for Ata. I also send thanks to Coach Barron and his staff for their interest, warmth and friendship. They are really good guys. I always pray to God that Ata will be happy about studying and playing for UMaine.
Haydar Turgut
Father of Ata Turgut
This journey begun two years ago, when I met Mr Tasos and the Nomos team. Without them my dream of combining top education and high-level volleyball would never come true! I would like to thank them all from the core of my heart, for all the insight and support they have offered me throughout these years.
Especially you, Mr. Tasos, your dedication and encouragement have brought significant changes to my life. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for your guidance which has offered me a once in a lifetime opportunity. Because of you, I will be studying at the university of Texas Rio Grande Valley and play volleyball at a top 75 programme.
So far, I had no family at all in the US and ever since I met you and Kristin, I feel confident enough that you will always be there for me and that you will serve as my Greek family in the years to come.
Any athlete who is under your guidance is privileged, as they not only have a consultant about US universities, but also a friend who stands by them and supports them constantly and a father figure who pushes them harder day by day to pursue their goals.
Thank you for everything you have done for me!
Ioanna Charitonidi
National Team of Greece
When our daughter was starting 10th grade she decided that the US would be her higher education destination. Initially researching and asking her American teammates, we realized that things were not as simple. Thus we found out Tasso and his unbelievable Nomos team. Aris Zafeiratos, Nikos Zinas, Kristin Folkl...
After almost 2½ years, Ioanna is a step from the airplane gate that leads to the land of the dream. The beginning was difficult, full of questions, doubt, and uncertainty. Every step of the way, at every uphill battle, she had next to her an advisor, a friend guiding her, counseling but at the same time showing her the way to reach the right decision on her own. The team was always there, answer every question, ease our concern, feel our hardship, and share in our joy. So far, yet so close at heart. Everything according to plan, nothing left to chance.
Our daughter will spread her wings and fly really far away. I don't know how she'll be when she comes back... if she comes back... I know though that she will study what she wants, and will continue to play the sport she loves. For the next four years I will not worry about whether the university will hold exams or not, if there will be some group occupying university grounds and not allowing classes to take place, if there is some rogue odd instructor not allowing her to get her degree, if she gets injured who'll cover her therapy and rehab, which team she should play for and whether that team will have a trainer and conditioning coach. And even if something goes wrong, I know that so far away she'll have someone who'll run and help her even if he's not her dad. Someone who cares although he's not her uncle. That someone is Tassos Kaburakis.
Paris Charitonidis
Father of Ioanna Charitonidi
Όταν η κόρη μας ξεκίναγε την 1η Λυκείου αποφάσισε ότι η Αμερική θα ήταν ο τόπος σπουδών της. Ψάχνοντας βοήθεια πρώτα από τις Αμερικάνες συμπαίκτριες που είχε, συνειδητοποιήσαμε ότι τα πράγματα δεν ήταν καθόλου απλά. Κάπως έτσι ανακαλύψαμε την ύπαρξη του Τάσου και της απίστευτης ομάδας του, που απαρτίζουν το NOMOS. Άρης Ζαφειράτος, Νίκος Ζήνας, Kristin Folkl.
Μετά από σχεδόν 2 ½ χρόνια, η Ιωάννα βρίσκεται ένα βήμα πριν την πόρτα του αεροπλάνου που οδηγεί στη γη του ονείρου. Η αρχή ήταν δύσκολη, γεμάτη απορίες, αμφιβολίες και ανασφάλειες. Σε κάθε βήμα όμως, σε κάθε ανηφόρα είχε δίπλα της έναν σύμβουλο, έναν φίλο που την καθοδηγούσε, την συμβούλευε αλλά ταυτόχρονα της έδειχνε το δρόμο να πάρει τη σωστή απόφαση μόνη της. Ήταν εκεί, να απαντήσει σε κάθε ερώτημα δικό μας, να καθησυχάσει τις αγωνίες μας, να νιώσει την δυσκολία μας, να χαρεί μαζί μας. Τόσο μακριά, αλλά πάντα τόσο κοντά! Όλα βάσει σχεδίου, τίποτα στην τύχη.
Το παιδί μας θα ανοίξει τα φτερά του και θα πετάξει πολύ μακριά. Δεν ξέρω πως θα είναι όταν γυρίσει, αν γυρίσει… Ξέρω όμως ότι θα σπουδάσει αυτό που θέλει και θα συνεχίζει να παίζει το άθλημα που αγαπάει. Για τα επόμενα τέσσερα χρόνια δεν θα ανησυχώ αν θα γίνουν οι εξετάσεις των πανεπιστημίων ή θα έχουν καταλήψεις, αν θα υπάρχει κάποιος στριμμένος καθηγητής να μην μπορεί να πάρει πτυχίο, αν τραυματιστεί ποιος θα καλύψει τις θεραπείες, σε ποια ομάδα θα παίξει και αν θα έχει γυμναστή για βάρη η ομάδα της. Ακόμα και αν όμως κάτι πάει στραβά, ξέρω πως εκεί μακριά θα έχει κάποιον που θα τρέξει κι ας μην είναι ο μπαμπάς της. Κάποιον που θα νοιαστεί κι ας μην είναι ο Θείος της.
Ο κάποιος έχει όνομα. Τάσος Καμπουράκης.
Πάρης Χαριτωνίδης
Μπαμπάς Ιωάννας Χαριτωνίδη
I am forever grateful to Mr. Tassos and the Nomos team for the opportunity of a lifetime they have given me. They helped make my dream come true and they showed me that you should never give up. I will start a new chapter in my life thanks to their assistance and I thank them deeply.
Zoi Sherolli
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Παρόλη τη διαφορά ωρών μεταξύ μας ο Κ. Καμπουράκης ήταν πάντα ετοιμος και πρόθυμος να μας βοηθήσει. Τον εμπιστεύομαι να κάνει το καλύτερο για την κόρη μου. Ευχαριστώ αυτόν και την ομάδα του Nomos θερμά που στάθηκαν στο πλάι της κόρης μου σε αυτό το δύσκολο αλλά υπέροχο ταξίδι.
Σερόλλι Βαγγέλης
Πατέρας της Σερόλλι Ζωή
Despite the time difference Mr. Kaburakis was always ready and willing to help us. I trust him to do the best for my daughter. I warmly thank him and the Nomos team for standing by my daughter in this difficult yet wonderful journey.
Vaggelis Sherolli
Father of Zoi Sherolli
A year ago I met Mr. Tassos, the moment I needed him and I was looking for a person to help me on this whole journey. He gave me the best advice and always spoke to me honestly. He helped me to fulfill my dream, my studies, and playing basketball in U.S.A . I feel very blessed that I found Mr.Tassos and he helped me as much as he could! I also want to thank Christina Koursari who was next to me and helped me equally. I have no words to express my feelings about Mr.Kaburakis. I do not even know if a ''thank you'' is enough.
Lia Gobejishvili
U20 National Team of Greece
My time with Nomos has been the most memorable for me. It was my first interaction with a team of professionals and this gave me valuable experience and knowledge on what the world of professional sports is all about. I felt safe to be part of this team since they gave me their full support under every circumstances. I would like to express my gratitude specifically to Mr Aris Zafeiratos first of all for including me in the team. Following him Mrs Maria Kalara and Mr Tassos for their psychological support and their prompt reply to every question or difficulty that I might have.
Thank you all for this precious year which I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Ioli Georgakopoulou
I cannot believe that next year I will be in the U.S. and accomplishing my dream. It was a huge desire for me to play volleyball and study abroad at a high level. A year ago I had started the whole process on my own, but it did not work as I believed it could. Halfway through this year I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Tassos, his wife Ms. Kristin and the entire Nomos family. For the first time in my life I felt that this process with them will definitely succeed. From the day I started working with Mr. Tassos and his great team I felt very sure and aware that I will be getting a full scholarship at one of my first options, a great university in the U.S. Working hard for the little time that we had, many good offers came, and I think that I made the best choice and that's because of them. Now, as a Wildcat for my next four years I can't describe in any words how blessed I feel that I got to know Mr. Tassos and I will always be grateful for his help. I am sure that we will have a great relationship in the future. I am looking forward to taking my next big step of my life at Villanova University. Thank you very much.
Anastasia Galanou
It was a life dream for Anastasia to receive 100% scholarship and attend a high-caliber university with high-level volleyball, in Division I! We started the process on our own but we faced many difficulties. Time was passing and pressure was increasing. We did not know where we erred and we did not have the desired result. At this difficult time Tassos Kaburakis and his Nomos team came to the rescue! The communication with him was genuine, human. He was supportive, reassuring, honest. He was guiding us step-by-step, with calmness and certainty. The cooperation was very professional as his experience is great. That was evident early on, when in a matter of a couple of days after we communicated with him Anastasia started receiving several offers from universities. Tassos, Kristin, and their Nomos team overcame all obstacles and in a very short time Anastasia signed with the first university of her choice. Her dream was realized! I wholeheartedly thank Tasso and his colleagues and wish them all the best for their families! I hope you continue to help children accomplish their goals and realize their dreams!
Evridiki Gavgiotaki
Mother of Anastasia Galanou
Ήταν ένα όνειρο ζωής για την Αναστασία να πάρει υποτροφία 100% και να σπουδάσει σε ένα πανεπιστήμιο ψηλά ακαδημαϊκά και υψηλού επιπέδου βόλει (κατηγορίας D1) !!! Ξεκινήσαμε τη διαδικασία μόνοι μας αλλά αντιμετωπίσαμε πολλές δυσκολίες. Ο χρόνος περνούσε και η πίεση ήταν μεγάλη. Δεν ξέραμε που είχαμε κάνει λάθος και δεν είχαμε το επιθυμητό αποτέλεσμα. Στην δύσκολη αυτή στιγμή βρέθηκε στο δρόμο μας ο Τάσος Καμπουράκης με την ομάδα του Nomos! Η επικοινωνία μαζί του ήταν ανθρώπινη. Ήταν υποστηρικτικός, καθησυχαστικός, ειλικρινής. Μας καθοδηγούσε βήμα-βήμα με ηρεμία και σιγουριά. Η συνεργασία πολύ επαγγελματική γιατί η εμπειρία του είναι μεγάλη. Αυτό φάνηκε αμέσως όταν μόλις σε δύο μέρες μετά την επικοινωνία μας κατάφερε να έχει η Αναστασία πολλές προτάσεις από πανεπιστήμια! Ο Τάσος, η Kristin και η ομάδα του Nomos προσπέρασαν όλα τα εμπόδια και σε μικρό χρονικό διάστημα η Αναστασία υπέγραψε στο πρώτο πανεπιστήμιο της επιλογής της. Το όνειρο έγινε πραγματικότητα! Ευχαριστώ πολύ από καρδιάς τον Τάσο και τους συνεργάτες του και τους εύχομαι τα καλύτερα για αυτούς και τις οικογένειές τους! Σας εύχομαι να συνεχίζετε να βοηθάτε τα παιδιά να εκπληρώνουν τους στόχους τους και να πραγματοποιούν τα όνειρά τους
Ευρυδικη Γαυγιωτακη
Μητέρα της Αναστασίας Γαλανού
I am so grateful for the guidance, help and companionship both Tassos and Kristin have provided the last two years. I'm leaving in 2 days and I feel so sure about my decision. They helped me find the right fit and treated me and my parents like family. I am confident leaving for America as I have found safety in my new families. I'm so honored and thankful for everything!
Elena Leontaridou
Providence College R. I.
The first time we heard about Tassos Kaburakis and the "Nomos" team was from Christina Koursari who was always ready to help us. Thank you Christina. Until then we never imagined that our daughter could possibly study and play volleyball in the US. That is what Tassos made possible by working with us for months helping and treating us as if we were his family. Tassos always encouraged and supported Elena, us also, and was always ready to answer our questions. After a thorough search our daughter got a scholarship at a great university "Providence College". We are really grateful for that wonderful opportunity and hope that Tassos will keep on helping children to accomplish their dreams with such success. It is still unbelievable that Elena is ready to start her new life at Providence College R.I. She always wanted to study and keep on playing volleyball. Thank you very very much Tassos, Kristin and all your team, we wish you the best. We know that you will be there for Elena whenever she needs you.
Ioanna Lyta and Giorgos Leontaridis
Parents of Elena Leontaridou
My name is Alexandros Priftis, I am 20 years old and I am from Greece. Beginning in the fall of 2018 I will be an AACSB-accredited business school student at Governors State University in Chicago, a top-15 NAIA program on a basketball scholarship. In September 2017 I came to the USA in order to live what people refer to as "the American dream".
Coming to the USA was probably one of the toughest decisions my family and I ever made. Before coming to the USA I lived in London, England for 2 years in order to find a better future for myself and my family . Even though things weren't working out there and it wasn't what I was expecting it to be, I was trying to find a way to do the best I could in order to take the next step. So I reached the decision that I wanted to study and play basketball at a high level and I knew that the best place to combine both is in the USA.
Living that far from your home and family to make your dreams come true, you can understand how blessed you should feel for everything that happens in your life .When you come across to a different continent, you do not expect from people who are not related to you to care. Mr. Tassos helped me a lot the past year and gave me lot of support and motivation to improve. The past two years have changed my life, I improved a lot basketball-wise in all aspects and I am the athlete and person that I am now. I feel like we have known each other for years. Few people would care so much about the dream of another student-athlete. He was like my best friend, who never ceased to believe and encourage me. His efforts along with his team were great because he didn't only help me find a scholarship but he wanted to ensure that I get what it is best for me and considered all of my future options academically and athletically. The thing that I appreciate the most is that this man is clear with his words from the beginning and he will not give anyone false or wrong hopes.
Let me tell you that the transition from playing in an academy in Greece then moving to the United Kingdom trying to find a place for a better future and then moving again to the United States was not easy. He was there the whole time and supported everything I was doing like a father for his son. I owe a lot to Mr. Tassos for believing in me right from the very beginning. When everyone was doubting me, he was there giving me motivation to work harder and inspire me. Although I never played on a big team or participated in international events, he trusted his instinct and helped me out.
He suggested that I do a prep year first and then move to the collegiate level. Even though I had my doubts, he reassured me that it will help me a lot and increase my opportunities to find a scholarship. He was right and I can easily admit that I had a great experience at Gateway Legacy Prep in Illinois and it helped me a lot to get used to the life and the game here .Mr. Tassos helped me a lot the past year and gave me lot of support and motivation to improve.
I feel truly blessed to have the privilege of knowing Dr Kaburakis. A man, a lawyer, a professor, a great mentor and for many, including myself, an excellent friend! His outstanding talent of giving inspiration and motivation through his achievements to young people is something that forced me to want to succeed in life and overcome every challenge I have been faced with. We have been through tough situations that we will both remember and cherish for the rest of our lives. Just to think about how much time and effort he puts into helping others while being a father, professor, business man, a friend, and a lawyer is truly remarkable. None of this would have happened without him. I consider him part of my family and I am proud to do so. Dr Tassos Kaburakis is the most ideal person for anybody who wants to chase his/her American dream. He will always be next to you, as a best friend, as a brother.
Mr. Tassos, I truly owe you so much!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING !!!
Alexandros Priftis
Governors State University
When our daughter began to play volleyball we had no idea, could not even imagine that she might one day study in the US on an athletic scholarship!
About a year ago, when Ariadni expressed her wish to study in the US, it all sounded like an unattainable dream. Everything seemed so difficult! I did not even know that there were people in America who help these kids.
Until we met Tasso Kaburaki! He won us over from our first contact with him! He talked to us as if he knew us for years and made us feel very comfortable and close to him. He responded honestly to all our questions, could tell our stress and tried to ease it and calm us, telling us what a great opportunity it is for Ariadni to take the step she is about to take. This way we understood we can entrust our daughter's future in his capable hands.
So it was. He stood by us like no one else, provided solutions no matter the hardship we faced, and generally he was and is our man in America for our daughter, who always seeks advice from him, because she knows she can count on him. And we now have an invaluable friend!
Of course, I will never forget when Tassos, a few months before Ariadni left for America, told her: "Try to spend as much time as possible with your parents!" He deeply moved me. I realized he was more than just a professional, rather above all a true human being!
Tasso, may God keep you and your beautiful family well, be always smiling and have only success in your life!
Konstantina Patsiotou
Mother of Ariadni Kathariou
St. John's University Volleyball & National Team of Greece
Όταν άρχισε η κόρη μας να ασχολείται με το βόλλευ, ούτε που μας περνούσε η ιδέα απο το μυαλό, ούτε που το φανταζόμασταν οτι θα μπορούσε ποτέ να σπουδάσει με αθλητική υποτροφία στις ΗΠΑ!
Πρίν ένα χρόνο περίπου, όταν μας εξέφρασε η Αριάδνη την επιθυμία της να σπουδάσει στην Αμερική, σε μένα φάνταζε σαν ένα άπιαστο όνειρο. Μου φαινόταν όλα τόσο δύσκολα! Δεν ήξερα κάν οτι υπάρχουν άνθρωποι στην Αμερική οι οποίοι βοηθούν τα παιδιά αυτά.
Μέχρι που γνωρίσαμε τον Τάσο Καμπουράκη! Από την πρώτη επαφή μαζί του, μας κέρδισε! Μιλούσε μαζί μας λες και μας ήξερε χρόνια και μας έκανε να αισθανθούμε πολύ οικεία και άνετα μαζί του. Απαντούσε ειλικρινά σε όλες μας τις ερωτήσεις, μάντευε το άγχος μας και προσπαθούσε να μας ηρεμήσει, λέγοντάς μας πόσο μεγάλη ευκαιρία για την Αριάδνη μας είναι αυτό το βήμα που ετοιμάζεται να κάνει κι έτσι καταλάβαμε πλέον οτι μπορούμε να εμπιστευτούμε το μέλλον του παιδιού μας στα άξια χέρια του.
Έτσι κι έγινε. Μας στάθηκε όσο κανείς άλλος, μας έδινε λύσεις σε όσες δυσκολίες αντιμετωπίσαμε και γενικά ήταν και είναι ο άνθρωπός μας στην Αμερική για το παιδί μας.
Η κόρη μας τον συμβουλεύεται πάντα, γιατί ξέρει οτι μπορεί να βασιστεί πάνω του κι εμείς έχουμε αποκτήσει έναν ανεκτίμητο φίλο!
Βέβαια, δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ, όταν ο Τάσος, μερικούς μήνες πρίν φύγει η Αριάδνη για Αμερική της είπε : ''Προσπάθησε να περνάς όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερο χρόνο με τους γονείς σου''! Με συγκίνησε βαθιά. Κατάλαβα οτι δεν είναι απλά ένας επαγγελματίας, αλλά πάνω απ' όλα οτι είναι Άνθρωπος!
Τάσο, ο Θεός να έχει εσένα και την όμορφη οικογένειά σου καλά, να είσαι πάντα έτσι χαμογελαστός και να έχεις μονάχα επιτυχίες στη ζωή σου.
Πατσιωτού Κωνσταντίνα
Μητέρα της Καθάριου Αριάδνης
I remember like yesterday the first time I got to talk with Mr. Tassos and Kristin. They were so positive when me and my family were considering the possibility of me getting a scholarship in a U.S. university, even though I was not that confident. Sometimes I wonder if I would pursue that dream if I didn't collaborate with them. They were so positive and encouraging that they made me trust in the process and finally earn an athletic scholarship to study and play volleyball at the University of Cincinnati. Before I signed, Mr. Tassos and Kristin made sure that I was fully aware of everything about the volleyball team and the University as well as the courses that were necessary for my major. Finally, our collaboration did not stop after I signed with the team. Me and Mr. Tassos still keep in touch and he is helping me with everything i need . Everything in Cincinnati is great and I couldn't been more thankful.
Georgia Tselepi
It's already been more than two years since my first meeting with Aris and I'm so glad that this happened. He's been a real friend to me! He was there when I needed him, when I was totally freaking out and when I felt hopeless. He was really patient with me and even more excited than I was when I was getting good offers. He and Mr. Kabourakis helped me again when I decided to transfer and now I ended up being exactly where I wanted to be. I'm so grateful for meeting them, they are great people, with pure love for what they do!
Aristea Tontai
My life was like a quiet, little pond. And then, all of a sudden, there comes Mr. Tassos turning everything upside down! Meeting with him has been a real life changing experience for me and my family.
I owe a lot to Mr. Kabourakis and his wife Kristin, for believing in me right from the very beginning. They believed in me more than a whole bunch of others, and they were always there when things got tough. Although I never played in a big team or participated in nation-wide events, they both trusted their instinct and helped me out. I would not call it a dream, because our meeting was beyond dreaming, really! It was also Mr. Kabourakis who convinced my parents that all this journey to the unknown was worth it and that everything will be fine. Believe me, this was no easy task! Thank God he was right, as he always is.
After almost 9 months of hard work and guidance from Mr. Tassos, I finally got accepted, with full athletic scholarship, in NJIT; an amazing academic institution with fascinating athletic record. I'm thrilled and excited, but yet stressed out!!!
Words can't really describe how grateful and thankful I am that I got to know this kind and hardworking man. My gift to him will be something I haven't figured out yet. What I know for sure is that this gift needs to be something on par with what he has done for me.
Mr. Tasos, I owe you so much, really.
Marina Markaki
New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA
Being a professional volleyball player has always been a number 1 dream of mine, but of course education is as important. First step on that road is finding a good college that will suit me and thanks to Tassos I did find it.
Although I met Tassos only a year ago when he invited me to Nomos EVE showcase in Greece, he accepted me as a member of a family. Certainly he taught me a lot about volleyball but one thing that amazed me is the way he believed in me. He fights for each and every one as "his child" and he won't settle until he makes everybody happy. Furthermore, I found what I've been looking for, a school with good education and great volleyball program.
This is the summer when all of it begins, I'm going to Towson University. It's a university which has international reputation, excellent volleyball rankings and fascinating staff members. Nomos' organization is a perfect program that gives athletes the opportunity to explore, find themselves, and of course a suitable school. I hope that this is just the beginning of their work because we need more programs and people like this.
Thank you for everything!
Marija Tomasevic
A year before I couldn't imagine my life in the way that is now and I couldn't make it without Mr. Tassos and the Nomos team. From this summer, I am ready to live the American dream as a student-athlete in a great University, such as VCU.
Mr. Tassos helped me a lot the past year and gave me lot of support and motivation to improve. The past two years have changed my life, I improved a lot in Volleyball in all the fields and I am the athlete and person that I am now. Furthermore, I am ready to continue this progress over the next few years at VCU with the help of my coaches, professors and the girls on the team.
I can't express the gratitude I have for the help that I received from the Nomos team and especially from Tassos and Kristin Kaburakis. They were always there for me and helped me to accomplish my dream. I am sure that we will have a great relationship in the future, they are great humans and I want to have them in my life as friends.
I hope that they will continue to do this work with so much love and support for others, and they will help numerous athletes to accomplish their dreams as students-athletes in the US.
Thank you so much NOMOS team.
Spyridoula Chounta
Going to the US in order to play volleyball and study at the same time was a big step for me. It was one of the most important decisions in my entire life. Many people came into my life the past year. Some of them pulled me back from this, some of them said that I can't do it, that I'm not good enough and that I will quit as soon as I face the first difficulty. Furthermore, some of them didn't stand by my side as I thought they would or as I thought they have to. Nevertheless, there were people that I trusted and that's the best thing I could ever do, because these persons helped me out when I needed them the most and they supported me to chase after my dream. Tassos Kaburakis and Kristin Folkl Kaburakis are such people.
This was a long ride for all of us. We were like partners, we dealt with everything. Many good offers had come and gone, but I think that I made the best choice and that's because of Kristin and Tassos. Beginning this fall, I will be studying and playing in the US at Louisiana Tech, a university which has international reputation in regard to sports and education. I'm really grateful for having Tassos and Kristin in my life since they helped me to get out of my comfort zone.
Because of this I have the opportunity to compete at the D1 level. Thank you Kristin and Tassos. We've been through a lot together. We came as strangers, we became friends and we continue as family. Dimitra Tziarli Louisiana Tech University
Dimitra Tziarli
Louisiana Tech University
I had the privilege of getting to know Dr. Kaburakis while I was in an extremely significant point in my life. I had the goal of getting a basketball scholarship in the United States in order to study and play collegiate basketball in Division 1. I did not know almost anything about this process and he was the right person to help me. His deep knowledge about the NCAA rules and his unconditional support make him the person that I recommend to every student athlete who wants to study and play basketball abroad. Dr. Kaburakis put everything in order so that I can visit the best possible universities and cared as much as a father would care for his daughter. I feel nothing but blessed that I got to know Mr. Tassos and I will always be grateful for his help. He is still by my side and helps me with any concern. One million thanks to the person that bore with me and spent unlimited hours in helping me to make my dream come true. Next year I will be studying and playing basketball at the University of Pittsburgh and I can't be more excited than that. Thank you so much for everything!
Ismini Prapa
The support I received from Dr. Kaburakis during 2017 was substantial and valuable. Dr. Kaburakis showed me the process and the way to be admitted to U.S. Higher Education and also helped me with practical and meaningful advice. I consider Dr. Kaburakis a trustworthy professional with deep knowledge of NCAA rules and the entire process. I recommend his full support and counsel for anyone who is seriously interested in U.S. Higher Education.
Giannis Chatziveroglou
Junior National Team of Greece - Basketball
I don't know where I would be right now, had I not met Mr Tassos. Even though we haven't met in person yet, I feel like we have known each other for years. Few people would care so much about the dream of another student-athlete in Greece. I never aimed high and doubted myself. He encouraged me to practice with the teams at the colleges I visited in order to see where I stand. He knew I would do great and I did. This was all I needed to believe in my abilities and potential to play at the other side of the Atlantic.
From this fall I will be studying in one of the best universities of the United States and play collegiate basketball on a first division level making my dream come true. The endless talks on the phone, the continuous motivation, the restless passion and encouragement to aim always at the highest level will stay with me for life. A "thank you" is so little regarding his help for the best for my future and my career.
He worked so hard to help my dream come true, his passion, honesty and faith are really rare to find and I am so lucky and grateful for having crossed paths with him. I know that this new journey for me away from everything and everyone I have known so far will not be easy. But I also know I will be having a person in the US to count on for any obstacles I may encounter, doubts or even homesickness.
His motivation and advice is precious and all individuals who have the opportunity to work with him are truly lucky.
A million thank you,
Nancy Panagiotopoulou Andritsopoulou
University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Member of Greek National Team
My name is Chrysanthi Stamatiou, I am 18 years old and I am from Greece. In July 2017 I came in the USA in order to live what people say "the American dream". I am a student-athlete at the University of Cincinnati. Being a student-athlete at these times isn't easy. Actually I can say that it is as hard as a real job or maybe even harder. But when you make the right decisions things can be more easy.
In my case "NOMOS" was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Mr. Tassos and everyone else who is working for this team helped me the entire time, when I was searching for a good university to study and play volleyball. Being a part of the University of Cincinnati, makes me feel comfortable saying that the results were amazing.
Those people are now my family and I really appreciate everything that the "NOMOS team" did for me, in order to get that opportunity. They always stood by my side, answering my questions and always trying to help me with everything.
They are still by my side, making sure that everything is okay and that I am having a good time.
Thank you so much for everything!!!
Chrysanthi Stamatiou
University of Cincinnati Volleyball
I am particularly pleased by the course of our cooperation with Nomos and I will make special note for Tassos Kaburakis. I declare my limitless trust in him with overfilling joy. Sometimes I think you should not reach a decision for someone else; that someone knows better. Indeed, in our case that happened. He was exceptionally supportive of Marina's efforts, with very positive impact on her psychological encouragement.
We had skype communications and I would observe a caring man, examining offers and prospects with great ability. With a very sweet way he would make suggestions, recommendations, and with great mastery he would open new horizons and new opportunities for her through their communication. Recognizing this man's intentions, you draw courage and you say it's all worth it.
Marina Markaki believed in her dream and Nomos opened her pathways to realize it. Dreams are to be conquered and I am at a loss for words thanking him for this. I am grateful for the impeccable collaboration extended to us. These joint efforts culminated in Marina obtaining a 100% scholarship at NJIT, which allows my daughter to play D1 volleyball.
Don't ever get tired of being who you are and give your directions to young people in your sweetest way. I hope all the children in the world get the chance to find people who will support them psychologically in the course of their lives. Sometimes I would catch myself thinking that what he's suggesting I could not have said that well myself. Leafing through her soul and inspiring her through pure intentions of maximizing her effort successfully carried her through. Dreams are to be conquered, and the goals she achieved were high.
With great appreciation.
Manto Gioka
Mother of Marina Markaki
New Jersey Institute of Technology Volleyball
Growing up in Greece going to an American college was always a dream for a lot of kids, so it was for me. After finishing high school I started playing volleyball, a sport I came to love. But except from volleyball, my education was and still is very important to me, so I wanted a chance to do both. My coach, always looking after me, knew that and wanted to help, as he saw a lot of potential in me. So he brought me in touch with Dr. Kaburakis. This was one of the most important moments of my life the last few years, because from this point on everything changed for me.
At first I didn't give much thought to the possibility of going abroad to study and play volleyball. After a few discussions and a video chat, Tassos had me on the way to make my dream a reality. Almost instantly he found a good college with a new up and coming volleyball program that was the right fit for me. The process to go there though was really hard and needed great effort from both sides. Thankfully Tassos was ready for the task and helped me complete every single paper needed in a timely manner. Every question, every miscommunication with the college, every single problem that came in the way, Tassos was there to resolve it. Even now that I'm in the college and everything is flowing perfectly, I still keep in touch with him so we can work out every single problem that may arise.
Me and my mother, who was next to me on this big journey, are grateful to Tassos, because he gave a part of his life to help me achieve high goals. He is a great man with great values and a great personal drive to be the best at his job. That's why he is successful and NOMOS will continue to help people to reach their goals.
Dimitris Kiridis
Barton College
I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Kabouraki since I was a kid. Ever since I decided that I want to play college basketball, he has been nothing but supportive and a person who always guided me. He gave me pointers on how to develop and polish my game and pushed me to ask myself certain questions that had to do with why I wanted to do what I wanted to do. He helped me present who I am and what my game is, to coaches in the United States and for that I am extremely grateful.
George Tzelalis
St. Thomas University
Similar to other parents, I too want my children to dream, to set goals, and work to realize them. As a mom, I am always next to them to help them as much as I can.
In the case of my daughter, Chrysanthi, who wanted to study in the United States on an athletic scholarship, I undertook to fulfill all the procedural details (e.g. collect transcripts and other necessary documents, arrange for official translations, etc.) Believe me, it's a process that is not easy at all, and very time-consuming (while time pressure was intense). The hardest part was that this process was completely unknown for me.
Thankfully, in the process I met Tasso, who is now considered a close friend for me and our family. He always stood by me and Chrysanthi, a tireless supporter, advising and guiding us, answering all our questions, trying to find solutions to arising problems, giving us courage and the strength to carry on. Honestly, without his help I do not know what the outcome of my daughter's effort would be. Within four months from the moment of us meeting, my daughter was traveling to the U.S. and the University of Cincinnati, in order to study at a very good university on an athletic scholarship, playing volleyball on a very competitive team.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Tasso and all his associates for their support and wish him and his family the very best for the future.
Όπως όλοι οι γονείς έτσι κι εγώ θέλω τα παιδιά μου να κάνουν όνειρα, να βάζουν στόχους και να προσπαθούν να τους πετύχουν. Εγώ ως μαμά είμαι πάντα δίπλα τους να τα βοηθώ όπου και όπως μπορώ.
Στη περίπτωση της κόρης μου Χρυσάνθης, που ήθελε να σπουδάσει στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες με αθλητική υποτροφία, ανέλαβα να διεκπεραιώσω όλα τα διαδικαστικά (όπως να συγκεντρώσω βαθμολογίες και διάφορα άλλα έγγραφα που χρειαζόταν, να γίνουν επίσημες μεταφράσεις κλπ). Πιστέψτε με μια διαδικασία καθόλου εύκολη και πολύ χρονοβόρα (ενώ η πίεση του χρόνου ήταν μεγάλη). Πιο δύσκολη την έκανε το γεγονός ότι ήταν εντελώς άγνωστη σε μένα.
Ευτυχώς στη διαδρομή αυτή γνώρισα τον Τάσο, ο οποίος πλέον θεωρείται για μένα και την οικογένειά μου ένας πολύ καλός φίλος. Στάθηκε πάντα δίπλα σε μένα και στη Χρυσάνθη ακούραστος συμπαραστάτης, να μας συμβουλεύει, να λύνει κάθε απορία μας, να προσπαθεί να βρει λύσεις στα προβλήματα που προέκυπταν στη πορεία, να μας δίνει κουράγιο και δύναμη για τη συνέχεια. Ειλικρινά, αν δεν είχαμε τη βοήθειά του, δεν γνωρίζω ποια θα ήταν η κατάληξη της προσπάθειας του παιδιού μου. Μέσα σε τέσσερις μήνες από τη στιγμή που γνωριστήκαμε το παιδί μου ταξίδευε για τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες και το πανεπιστήμιο του Σινσινάτι προκειμένου να σπουδάσει σε ένα πολύ καλό πανεπιστήμιο με αθλητική υποτροφία, παίζοντας βόλεϊ σε μία πολύ ανταγωνιστική ομάδα.
Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω μέσα από την καρδιά μου τον Τάσο και όλους τους συνεργάτες του για τη συμπαράστασή τους και να ευχηθώ σε αυτόν και την οικογένειά του τα καλύτερα για το μέλλον.
Areti Mpei
Mother of Chrysanthi Stamatiou
I met Mr. Kaburakis a few months ago. Of course, in the past I had heard about Mr. Tasso, that he is a Greek who lives and works in America and he helps very efficiently any athletes who want to live the American Dream. So, because the universe always helps you to meet your good fate when you put forth the effort, six months ago the coach of my son in volleyball, knowing the desire he had to leave for America, introduced us to Mr. Kaburakis.
From that point on. everything proceeded like magic. Since the first moment, we felt we had our own person. So friendly, communicative, literally opened his family for us. We were filled with dreams and trust for the great step ahead. He guided us with everything, the best way possible. He intervened with any difficult and insurmountable obstacles in the process, the right and most efficient way.
He truly is a Greek, who embraces kids warmly in this great life journey. As a parent I was inspired to trust him immensely.
I will also add here that I have a daughter, who is a rower, and she already had a scholarship to study in America. I needed to ask him for advice for her own matters. His knowledge, experience, and responsibility are impressive. He is professional and a man of character and ethics, difficult to encounter these days.
I thank him warmly. I know and sense that no matter what state my children will reside in, they have their own human being, because that is ultimately what Tassos Kaburakis is. Our own person for our children.
I hope many children can follow their own path and reach high. It's really worth trusting and placing your children's journey in the hands of this man. Anything that appears impossible at the other end of the planet, he has the knowledge, experience, and desire to make feasible for each family.
I wish him the best in his work.
Γνώρισα τον κ. Καμπουράκη πριν από κάποιους μήνες.Βέβαια στο παρελθόν είχα ακούσει για τον κ. Τάσο ότι είναι ένας Ελληνας που ζει και ερ΄γαζεται στην Αμερική και βοηθάει πολύ΄αποτελεσματικά τους Αθλητές που θέλουν να ζήσουν το Αμερικάνικο όνειρο.Έτσι έπειδή το σύμπαν πάντα σε βοηθάει να συναντηθείς με τη καλή σου μοίρα όταν προσπαθείς,πριν έξι μήνες περίπου ο προπονητής του γιού μου στο Βόλει γνωρίζωντας την επιθυμία του να φύγει Αμερική μας σύστησε τον κ. Καμπουράκη.
Και εκεί όλα πια προχώρησαν μαγικά.Ηταν από τη πρώτη στιγμή σα να είχαμε έναν δικό μας άνθρωπο .Τόσο φιλικός ,επικοινωνιακός,κυριολεκτικά μας έβαλε στην οικογένειά του.Μας γέμισε με όνειρα και εμπιστοσύνη για το μεγάλο μας βήμα.Μας καθοδήγησε στο κάθε τι με το καλύτερο τρόπο.Μεσολάβησε σε ότι δυ΄σκολο και απροσπέλαστο βρέθηκε στη διαδικασία με τον πιο σωστό και αποτελεσματικό τρόπο.
Πραγματικά είναι ένας Ελληνας που αγκαλιάζει ζεστά τα παιδιά σε αυτό το μεγάλο ταξίδι ζωής.Σαν γονιό μου ενέπνευσε τεράστια εμπιστοσύνη.
Και εδώ θα πώ επειδή έχω και μια κόρη που ασχολείτε με κωπηλασία και βρίσκεται ήδη με υποτροφία Αμερική,χρειάστηκε να ζητήσω τη συμβουλή του για κάποιες δικές της υποθέσεις.Οι γνώσεις που έχει η εμπειρία και η υπευθυνότητα είναι εντυπωσιακές.Εινα επαγγελματίας και άνθρωπος με χαρακτήρα και ήθος που δύσκολα συναντας στην εποχή μας.
Τον ευχαριστώ θερμά.Ξέρω και αισθάνομαι ότι σε όποια πολιτεία και αν είναι τα παιδιά μου έχουν πια ένα δικό τους άνθρωπο γιατί αυτό τελικά είναι ο Τασος Καμπουράκης.Ο δικός μας άνθρωπος για τα παιδία μας.
Εύχομαι πολλά παιδιά να ακολουθήσουν το δρόμο τους και να φτάσουν ψηλά. Αξίζει πραγματικά να εμπιστεύεσαι και να αφήνεις το δρόμο των παιδιών σου στα χέτρια αυτό΄του ανθρώπου.Κάθε τι που φαντάζει αδύνατο στην άλλη άκρη του πλανήτη έχει τη γνώση την εμπειρία και τη διάθεση να το κάνει προσιττό για κάθε οικογένεια.
Έχω και μια τρίτη κόρη που τελειώνει το λύκειο και ανεπιφύλακτα θα συμβουλευτώ τον κ. Καμπουράκη για το Αμερικάνικο όνειρο το δικό της.
Του εύχομαι καλη συνέχεια στο εργο του.
Christina Koursari
Mother of:
Dimitri Kiridis
Anneta Kiridou (silver and bronze medalist: World junior rowing championships 2016 & 2017)
Maria Kiridou (gold medalist: Youth Olympics 2018, World junior rowing championships 2018 & new world record, European junior rowing championships 2017 & 2018)
As a parent whose child got a scholarship in the USA I feel gratitude for Mr Kaburakis. He is always there for us, got us in touch with various coaches from many universities in the USA, even made them contact each other in order for my daughter to visit them. Moreover, he gave us lots of advice because he is very experienced and still after the scholarship was given he still keeps in touch and is always helpful. I will never forget how much Tassos helped us and he should know that he has a family in Greece that will welcome him and his family whenever he comes.
Thanos Panagiotopoulos
Father of Nancy Panagiotopoulou
I have been incredibly lucky and fortunate to cross paths with Dr. Kaburakis three years ago when I first started my journey of becoming a college basketball player. We met through a mutual friend who insisted on meeting with Dr. Kaburakis, for the reason that going to college, you need people around you that you can trust.
At first I thought I wouldn't be needing anyone and going to college wasn't a big deal, anyways, we had a few talks, I signed with him and now we were "working together". I started out playing for a prep school in Phoenix, Arizona, which turned out to be a really bad situation. Despite signing papers and forms promising me that there was going to be SAT practice, food 3 times a day, practice gear, great facilities, and good coaches, it was anything but that. I desperately wanted out of my then current situation, therefore I chose to sign with the first school that offered me despite having Dr. Kaburakis telling me not to.
Being a young and stubborn kid at the time, I really thought it was a great school even with having Dr. Kaburakis in my corner telling me that there were red flags and it wouldn't be a great fit. As stupid and ignorant I was at the time, I ignored him and I was quickly learning my lesson. He was right, the school turned out to be a bad decision and I was again getting desperate to find a new home. At this point, I was wondering if college was worth it but after a huge support system and numerous skype meetings with Dr. Kaburakis he made me change my mind, I was now finally learning my lesson and instead starting to trust his decisions and experience.
Trying to transfer schools was a huge circus, the coaches were telling me not to transfer or otherwise they would lose their jobs, homes and be unable to provide for their families, the school wouldn't release me and the whole situation felt absolutely hopeless. Help was again no longer than a phone call away, Dr. Kaburakis ensured me that we could get me through and again, he was right. He went to war with the school, after sitting in multiple hour long meetings with the school and people from NCAA several times a week over the course of 3-4 months, we finally got my release and I was able to sign with my new school, which couldn't have been a better fit for me.
The moral of the story is to have someone in your corner that you can trust and is going to be there for you every step of the way! Trying to make it to college and finding the best situation can be very difficult and stressful task for you and your family. Having someone like Dr. Kaburakis there for you who cares first and foremost about your wellbeing, knows how to deal with every imaginable situation, and is treating you like a family member is vital. I have never met a person with more passion and heart than Dr. Kaburakis, he will always give you his best regardless of how much he has on his own plate. He is a very positive and motivated person and as long as I have him by my side I know that everything will be OK!
I am forever thankful for what he has done and I could NOT have been any happier to have such a great person/businessman/friend/family. My family and I are forever grateful for what he gave us. I consider him and the Nomos team family and I know that our bond will only grow stronger with time!
Alexander Birketoft
California Baptist University
National Team of Denmark
I came to the US from Trinidad in 2010 after being recruited by the coaches of SLU. It was a whirlwind as I committed late in May 2010 and was on a plane to attend summer school a little over a month later at the end of June. My first encounter with Tasso came at the beginning of 2011 as he was appointed my academic mentor. We started off talking via email and met a couple times for lunch and we got to know each other immediately. One of the defining moments in our mentorship came when Tassos asked me to be a panelist for a discussion regarding international student athletes. It was really a pleasure to share my experiences of my story and to also listen to the story of other international student athletes from different schools and from different regions of the world. This was a great experience and one that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is his commitment to excellence and providing opportunities like these both in the classroom and on the field that sets Tassos apart from his peers. He is unafraid to be critical not only of himself but those around him and this has undoubtedly been a key to his success as a professor, mentor, lawyer and researcher. I am lucky to have such a great person in my circle giving me perspective and sharing in his wealth of knowledge. He has never allowed me to only focus on soccer but has continuously pushed me to excel in the classroom. As a result I have been able to put myself in a position to graduate with honors as one of the top students in my class. I look forward to working with Tassos in the future as thus far it has been thoroughly rewarding to work closely with him.
Christian Briggs
Masters in Business Administration
Loyola University Chicago soccer
Bachelor's in Business Administration (graduated in three years)
John Cook School of Business
Saint Louis University soccer (ranked #8 nationally in 2012)
Atlantic 10 Conference All-Rookie Team
Started every game as a freshman, 8 shutouts, team-high 3 goals
I've had the privilege of knowing Dr. Kaburakis for over 5 years. As a true friend and mentor he has helped me broaden my views not only on academically and athletically related matters, but also on life in general. His outstanding charisma has been a great driving and motivating force for me to succeed and overcome every challenge and obstacle I have been faced with. I can proudly say that Tassos has been a role model to me and someone that I truly admire.
He has helped an immense amount of young people coming from all parts of the world pursue their athletic, academic, and life dreams, by ensuring that they find the right place in the United States where they have been able to utilize their full athletic, academic, and human potential. Tassos is a unique and rare professional who has managed to master both academic and athletic worlds. Being a former basketball coach and lawyer in Greece, closely working with NCAA on their regulatory matters, and working in academia give valuable perspective and are highly related for providing exceptional aid to young people willing to come to the United States to make a difference. I can, without any doubt, say that Tassos is the most knowledgeable person for assisting international student athletes in pursuing their dreams and thriving for better future by attending educational institutions in the United States. His expertise and experience can help future prospects find the best fit for their athletic and academic potential and fully maximize their capabilities.
Tassos is a hard worker who always goes above and beyond no matter what he is involved with. He takes pride and dedication in helping young people in their future conquests. I have been very blessed for knowing Tassos, and especially for having him as a close friend and mentor.
Nikola Bundalo
Masters in Economics and Finance
Financial Analyst at Enterprise Bank & Trust
Southern Illinois University at Edwarsdville
(Division I Basketball - Ohio Valley Conference)
3rd all-time blocks list
4th most games played in school history
8th all-time rebounding list
19th all-time scoring list
Started all but one game his senior season
Led the team in rebounding, blocks, field goal percentage
Tassos has been an excellent influence for young learners and ball players. In a day and age where sports are held in higher regard than education, Tassos was able to blend the two. Tassos helped me realize that playing sports in college was a privilege, but that earning a degree while playing was my right. He put a premium on my ability to get a graduate degree while still playing basketball, and talked about he could spread my story to others. Tassos supported my athletic abilities, but applauded my academic ones and helped me reach my potential in the classroom. Tassos has been a great mentor over the years, even though I'm graduated now he still constantly communicates with me and is willing to help at a moments notice. Great man, teacher, person and most of all friend!
Brian Conklin
FIBA Europe Cup champion (2017)
French Cup champion (2017)
LNB champion (2016)
NBL MVP (2015)
All-NBL First Team (2015)
All-NBL Second Team (2014)
NZNBL champion (2013)
NZNBL Most Outstanding Forward (2013)
NZNBL All-Star Five (2013)
First-team All-Atlantic 10 (2012)
Second-team Academic All-American (2012)
3× Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team (2010–2012)
Saint Louis University basketball captain
(top-20 nationally ranked and one win from Sweet Sixteen in NCAA tournament 2012)
Academic All-American
Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team (2012)
Anaheim Classic MVP (2012)
Anaheim Classic All-Tournament Team (2012)
Cancun Governor's Cup All-Tournament Team (2011)
Led the team in scoring, 2nd in rebounding
I have known Dr. Kaburakis for over 20 years and through this journey we have worked together on a number of projects in the academic as well as athletic world. Tasso is very professional in dealing with anything that comes his way; he is very knowledgeable on a number of topics and likes to see things done and completed. His most precious attribute is the fact that he genuinely cares in helping young adolescents; he has shown the way to a number of youngsters who aspired to reach their goals.
MS/MBA
ACS Athens Athletic Director
Head Basketball Coach
Athens 2004 Olympic Games Competition and Venue Director
Athens 2011 Special Olympics Sport Manager for Softball
Sydney and Beijing Olympics International Softball Federation Technical Delegate
Women in Sport International Olympic Committee Award
International Softball Federation Executive Council Member
Women's basketball national team of Greece captain
A.C. Sporting Athens captain and First-Team All-Europe and All-Final-Four team
Cooperating with Tassos is an investment in true and profound friendship as well as an impeccable professional relationship, which leads to certain results. The time he personally devotes to each young talent and each prospective student-athlete's family, next to his relentless and consistent support during the entire course of a student-athlete's career, are definite competitive advantages for Nomos LLC.
Tasso, I want to thank you in the name of all student-athletes and their families from Greece for your help, and I hope your values, work ethic, and scientific expertise continue to open more paths academically, athletically, and professionally for more and more young people in the future.
Achilleas Demenagas
Youth Director and Head Coach U22 and U18 Teams
Director of Stavros Niarchos Park, part of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Municipality of Kallithea
Basketball Director of TNBA Greece
Athletic Director of Elliniko Women's Basketball team
Founder of Demenagas Basketball Training
Founder of Athens Sports Hall
PANATHINAIKOS BC - U18 Head Coach
Greetings from the windy city of Chicago. It has been a very enjoyable journey so far in the United States and that is because Tasos Kaburakis has helped me a lot to chase my dream. I am a sophomore guard at Morton College, and yesterday we just beat the 8th ranked team in the nation, Kishwaukee finishing up the year strong. Tasos goes a long way back with my father, and since I was a young kid he has shown me the right path to follow in order to play college basketball, and now I am competing at a high level. I personal think that Tasos has the knowledge and the experience to help young people. Just look at me!
Kostas Doxakis
Morton College
It all began after my trip to the US for a basketball tournament. After that my dream was to play professionally there but also attend a major American university, so I started searching for a contact there in order to help me achieve my goal. That was the time I met Dr Kaburakis. Considering that I had no knowledge about how the education and sports system works in the US, this brilliant man with his deep and versatile knowledge about the education system helped me figure out a way to come to the US and combine these two important aspects of my life. I have to mention that his indefatigable effort that is an example to everyone, because he was totally focused on helping me to make my dream come true. Together we spend uncountable hours in order to overcome obstacles in our path. Even when we reached a difficult situation he always stood by me. He encouraged me with all means in order to continue working, he guided me with advises that will not only help me go to college but will accompany me through the rest of my life and more importantly he stood as a good friend. I consider myself very lucky for meeting this man, his abnegation showed true quality and character.
Christos Giannakopoulos
Hillsdale College
I am Stefanos, a young student from Greece who had the amazing opportunity to talk and meet Tassos Kaburakis. This incredible man stood and still stands beside me during our cooperation. Although he is far away and I have never met him before, he was like my best friend who never ceased to believe and encourage me. His efforts along with his team were great because he didn't only help me find a scholarship but he wanted to ensure that I get what it is best for me and considered all of my future options academically and athletically. The thing that I appreciate the most is that this man is clear with his words from the beginning; he will not give anyone false or wrong hopes. He is totally professional and dedicated to his work and the results are very satisfying. There are so many ways to describe this man and I can ensure everyone that they are absolutely positive. People like Tassos must remain in our lives, and the only thing that I can say is ''THANK YOU'' for everything you have done for me, and you are the reason that I stand where I stand.
Stefanos Giannakopoulos
I met Dr. Kaburakis when I was only 15 years old, and a member of the Greek national team. This is when I started 'dreaming' of playing ball in the US. Three years later, after going through lots of practical and legal procedures, this dream became reality. I played one year at the NorthWest Florida College, and three years at the University of California, Riverside. My academic and athletic experiences during the course of these years were extremely valuable and fulfilling. Nonetheless, had it not been for the professional support of Dr. Kaburakis, my journey would have been a lot more difficult, if not impossible. His familiarity with the day-to-day difficulties I had to face, his legal expertise, and--perhaps most importantly--his genuine interest for me as a student-athlete and as a person, gave me fuel to move on and persist until I succeed. Over ten years after first meeting Dr. Kaburakis, I am more than thankful for having had his help and support, and I hope to continue collaborating with him, either professionally or academically.
Katerina Glyniadaki
PhD Candidate - London School of Economics
University of California - Riverside basketball
Big West Conference All-Academic Team
Led team in field-goal percentage
Starter for top-division teams in Greek and Italian Leagues
My college journey was quite an adventure but it wouldn't be possible without Dr Kaburakis. I have been searching for proper school every year and Dr Kaburakis was of a great help. His knowledge of sports, academics and his connections with people helped me to overcome all the obstacles that i ran into during my 3 years of being a college athlete. Even when things weren't looking too good for me at some points,he was there with positive energy and ability to make everything work. He is an ally that any college athlete who is coming to the US for the first time can have. I'm thankful for Dr Kaburakis and entire Nomos team, looking forward to be part of the family!
Dimitrije Gudovski
When you live thousand of miles away from home to make your dreams come true, you can understand how blessed you should feel for everything that happens in your life. Not many people have the opportunity to live the "American dream" like each one of us having the privilege to do so. Some people found luck and some others found opportunities and took them for granted, just like most of us did. When you come across to a different continent, you do not expect from people who are not related to you to care. You do not expect a chance for a better future if you do not give your best. You do not expect from a foreign country to make you feel like home. But how I feel right now, four years later in the States? I feel that my journey has been quite an adventure but it would not be possible without the help and inspiration of Dr Kaburakis. With that being said, I feel truly blessed to have the privilege of knowing Dr Kaburakis for over five years now. A man, a lawyer, a professor, a great mentor and for many, including myself, an excellent friend! Tassos has helped me broaden my horizons in many different fields such as in academics and athletics. His outstanding talent of giving inspiration and motivation through his achievements to young people is something that forced me to want to succeed in life and overcome every challenge I have been faced with.
It all began after I reached the decision to come to the States and accept a scholarship to study as well as get to play basketball for Whitfield High School. That was probably one of the biggest and toughest decisions me and my family ever made. I remember it like it was yesterday when I landed to Saint Louis and having Tasso, my host family, my teammates and my coach waiting for me at the airport. I just stared at them knowing barely enough English to communicate, but having Dr Kaburakis at that moment as my translator, I made it through the first night. I remember him calling me the next day and telling me those specific words of encouragement "you are here for a reason and promise me you won't stop until you get what you want". And that was my motivation to start off my senior year in high school, learning a new language and a new way of life. Completely different than home, but I loved it! After almost a year, I was a graduate high school student with a diploma in my hands. I would have never made it so far without my family's and Tassos support!
As I mentioned earlier, my experience in the States has been kind of a bumpy ride. First, I moved to Harris Stowe State University to play basketball on a scholarship and I was being honored with a Student-Athlete reward. Then, after completing my freshman year I transferred to Saint Louis University to move on into my sophomore year. Of course, I had the extreme help of Dr Kaburakis to get into the program and securing many scholarships as financial support. Things did not change a lot after my first semester at SLU. After my transition there, I decided what I really wanted to do as a career; SLU proved that it would not really be the best choice for me, even though it is one of the top schools in Missouri. SLU did not have a strength and conditioning/personal training program, which I decided I want to do for a living in the near future. With that being said, I was still trying to find my way out in order to find something better for myself. SIUE was my one and only chance to rebuild my dreams and have a new beginning in my life. So here I am today, three years later at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville as my ideal place to be. I am majoring in Exercise Science/Kinesiology and aiming towards Strength and Conditioning and Personal Training. Also, I am minoring in Nutrition and Sports Psychology. My short term goal is to get my degree from SIUE next Spring of 2018 and follow with my masters in Business.
Me and my family are beyond grateful for everything Tassos has done all these years for me. None of these would have happened without him and his support. I admire him for everything that he has done and I am considering him as one of my role models in life. Thank you for all Dr. T!
Ioannis Katrantzis
Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville
One of my dreams that I always wished to come true was to chase a career in the US. This dream was fulfilled with the help of Dr Tassos Kaburakis. Not only as a mentor, a professor, and specialist in college basketball and academics, but also as a true friend to me, he did everything within his power to provide me all the best for my first year in Saint Louis. In other words, he advised me using his experience and passion in the college domain so as to avoid common mistakes that freshman students usually make. What is more, he was always there for me when I asked for any kind of help and just like an older brother he did the right thing for me. I am so glad with my first year in Missouri and can't wait to take one more big step in the following year.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate everything you did for me.
Andreas Kefalas
University of Missouri, Saint Louis
When you live thousands of miles away from home, you don't expect people who aren't related to you or just met you to care. After my first conversation with Tassos, I knew he truly cared. Within hours, he was taking active steps in assisting me and supporting my efforts to achieve my personal and academic goals. His hard work and relentless help are obvious in the multiple successes of the students he mentors. His constant support and mentorship have led me to a full ride offer in a Masters Program from Saint Louis University. I am beyond grateful for everything he has done for me and am looking forward to growing through his wisdom and knowledge under the same academic institution.
Plamena Koseva
Although we've never met each other face to face, since the first time of our on-skype contact I felt astonished of his straightness and honesty, something rare nowadays. I firmly believe that Dr Tassos was the greatest person, at the greatest time, for the greatest thing: to help me find out the best choice for the next step in my career. I think that I couldn't reach my goal to be a member of a Division I college without his effort, consultation and mainly his daily encouragement. ''Keep going (vasta gera in greek), don't be afraid of nothing!'' was only one of his constant advice.
Dr Tassos Kaburakis is the most ideal person for anybody who wants to chase his/her American dream. He will always be next to you, as a best friend, as a brother.
I will always be thankful.
Fivos Kostis
MS Sport Administration, Xavier University
Graduate Assistant for Xavier Men's Basketball Team 2014-2016
Assistant Coach for Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA 2016-2017
I had an amazing year in the States. Since I was 10 years old it was always my dream to go the States. You guys made my dreams come true. I remember me landing in Chicago and then getting my flight canceled to St.Louis for the next day and I didn't have a mobile phone with me. I wasn't nervous at all because I was already in the States. Thank God I met awesome people that the only thing they wanted to do was to help us kids to give the best that we can everyday to succeed. I remember Tassos running everywhere to get things done for us. I was living with an amazing family that made me feel so nice being with them and we are still in touch. I remember me going to the first day of school. I felt lost. My head was spinning, I thought that this was going to be my hardest year ever. Then I got a lot of help from people inside the school that made feel better. I was told that I needed to take a test called ACT if I wanted to get into college so asked all of my friends and people that I knew "how hard the test was"; everybody said that it's the hardest test ever. I was getting so nervous. The first time I took it was so bad. Then again Tassos and the family I was living with helped me find a tutor for it. The second time the scores were delayed for almost a month and that made me more nervous. But finally I got them and I had improved my score by 50%, which allowed me to receive scholarships for college! Basketball wise, it was one of my favorite years also. At first I was so afraid to play basketball in the States on my own way because I knew that in the States the game is so different. So the first practices I was staring at the players to see the way that they were playing. Later I got involved. I remember playing a very hard game against the # 1 player all over Missouri. Tassos spent a lot of time sending me a wonderful good luck message, that made me play the best game of the year. Every time I talk about this game, I call it the "Tassos Game" because his words got me moving. I got so excited when I heard my name 3 times on the TV, that was amazing too. I also made the all conference team. I have never seen such a careful person like Tassos, he was always there for us no matter what. I also thank God for blessing me with such an amazing family. Those are some of the things that made my year special. Thanks to everybody for making this year a dream come true. Now I am ready for the next step, in college, and with everyone's blessings I feel I am going to do very well!
Vaggelis Mansaray
De Smet Jesuit High School
South Suburban College, Chicago, IL
B National Division Champions, Panionios BC
My name is Ioulia, 19 years old from Greece. Last year was my first in Saint Louis. I came here on scholarship because of my athletic records in track, and specifically race-walking. During the first few days I met some people who changed my life there. Lou Potsou, Tassos Kaburakis are just a couple of people on a fantastic team for us all! They help us with academics, our athletic career and just having fun. I had the opportunity to meet other students from Greece and Europe and we are still good friends talking almost every day. All international students are grateful to these people.
Ioulia Mparakou
I was fortunate to meet Dr. Kaburakis two years ago, while I was searching for a postgraduate program in the United States. My dream has always been to obtain a MS in Sport Management from a US university, but I was not familiar with the US education system. Dr. Kaburakis' versatile knowledge for the US education system and his connections in the international sports industry helped me to identify the best sport management graduate programs in the US. Currently, I am a student at the MBA of Sport & Entertainment management at the University South Florida and I just started my career in the US sport industry a graduate assistant of the USF Athletics marketing department, thanks to Dr. Kaburakis. I strongly believe that without Dr. Kaburakis' guidance I couldn't find my program and acquire a scholarship for my studies. Moreover, I really appreciated the personal relationship that Dr. Kaburakis developed with me. Even after my acceptance from my university he is always willing to help me and guide me for my academic career and professional career. I am really glad that I had the privilege to work with Dr. Kaburakis and learn from his experience. Thanks again for all your help.
Angelos Paschalis
MBA Class of 2015
Coming to US was probably the toughest decision me and my family ever made. At 17 years old coming to a different country and a different continent is kinda scary. I was hopeful though, as I had Mr. Kaburakis with along my side guiding me through every step. My 'ride' in the US so far was nothing but easy. My first year was the toughest one for me. I was trying to adjust to the American way of playing basketball but also change my lifestyle. I couldn't have done it without Mr. Kaburakis. I remember as if it was yesterday when he was calling me every day to just tell me to hang on and keep fighting and that good things happen to those who work for them. And it wasn't only that. He was always in touch with my family even when I wasn't and updating them at every point. It is honestly a blessing to have someone so far away from home that your family can rely on to look after you and to be your mentor. Finding a university that would fit me well was not easy for me. Again, after multiple workouts, and several phone calls of Tasso with coaches, I managed to come to Saint Louis and join a University that we all thought was a good fit at the time. It wasn't though, and when I told Mr. Kaburakis that I wanted something else he immediately supported me. He respected my decisions and did everything in his power and even more to make sure I get what I deserve. I cannot describe the amount of hours we spent on skype and meetings and phone calls. Plus, my old university wouldn't give me my release at first, something that could cause me a lot of trouble. He once again was there to help me and to go to war with me and do whatever it took to get my release which we eventually got.
I was starting to get really frustrated and I was going through some difficult times. I thank God that I had Mr. Kaburakis and my family at that time to support me and to make sure I was going to be the best version of myself. There were times when I thought of going back to Greece and continuing my education there or times that I just wanted to quit looking for a university and to just stop playing basketball. Help again was just a phone call away. I think it's amazing how much energy and positivity Mr. Kaburakis was able to transmit and pass on to me. After 2-3 months of searching and contacting coaches and any connection he had, he was able to get me into Saint Louis University; a place I love and I feel so lucky and grateful to be in. I couldn't be happier to be a part of this team and none of it would have been possible without Mr. Kaburakis and Nomos LLC.
Me and my family couldn't thank him enough and couldn't be happier for me to be here in Saint Louis next to him. We have been through situations that we will both remember and cherish for the rest of our lives. Just to think about how much time and effort he puts into helping others while being a father, professor, business man, a friend, and a lawyer is truly remarkable. None of this would have happened without him. I consider him part of my family and I am proud to do so.
Markos Psimitis
Saint Louis University Men's Basketball
John Cook School of Business Class of 2018
My journey to the United States began a year ago when I first met Nik Bundalo who introduced me to Dr. Kaburakis. After the first Skype conversation we had, he made me think that I could come to the States with ease. But I was also kind of skeptical because I never thought it would be that easy to come to America and he also made some promises that for me, a kid from Serbia that would do anything to get a real opportunity to get education and a life, seemed impossible to fulfill. Well, I was dead wrong because Tassos rocks! He had not only kept all of his promises, but he even had the time and patience to help me even when I got to the States and had to face tough decisions that I never thought I would have to worry about. He is an amazing, cheerful man that can help young people coming to America pursuing better life opportunities that I am very happy to know. An older brother, a friend, a father… One word – Tassos.
Danilo Radenković
I met Dr. Anastasios Kaburakis through a friend while I was struggling with all the paper work in Athens. After I followed his advice, in short time, I managed to become a college basketball player in Spartanburg Methodist College (Division I JUCO, South Carolina). Although it is tough for Greek young kids to pursue the student/athlete career, Tassos made it look easy, and he guided me with all the process and procedures I couldn't deal on my own the years I lived in the U.S.. Mentoring me personally with tips to survive and a lot of other "ammo", he motivated me to keep on working hard academically and athletically till I succeed. It is amazing how he has a method on dealing with different kinds of problems. He is a real professional in what he does and the fact that his experience is limitless, I believe he is the best person to help and guide young student/athletes achieve their goals and pursue their dreams. Personally, I trust him with my eyes closed. I don't think there is anything this man can't do and I look forward to continue working, learning, and receiving knowledge from him.
Dimitrios Sakarakis
Commercial Pilot at Jetstream Aviation
Bachelor's in Business Administration
Spartanburg Methodist College
Being a 27 year-old Greek basketball player that wanted to pursue higher education in the USA I was completely lost with the procedures I needed to do. Thankfully Dr. Kaburakis was kind enough to guide me throughout the process and explained the scholarship limitations that I had because of my age. I ended up in ECC, a JuCo in Newark, NJ with a full scholarship, feeling that my dream came true.
Antonis Sotiropoulos
Essex County College
My experience in the US as a student athlete even though it has been a bumpy ride has been very blessed.
I have met people like Tassos Kaburakis who have helped me settle and find my stepping and have blessed me with friendship, support and have helped me find my way in the US. In my experience I have realized the need and have acquired certain very important characteristics of life such as respect for people's time, time management, and diligence in anything I do. It is important to understand that one's time and patience can be limited and therefore it is important to take advantage of any opportunities offered. Also it is important for foreigners to realize the difference in cultural behaviors referring to business conduct, respect, boundaries, and generally everyday living in order to be successful. Therefore it is important to surround one's self with people who you can trust and who are willing to take the time and will eventually lead you to a successful career in college. Tassos helped me tremendously in that path and I am grateful he reached out and took the time to support me in order to enjoy college the way I do today!
Emmanuel Tselentakis
To begin with I would like to thank each and everyone of you who helped me get a scholarship in the U.S. However the best part of your help is not the one that gave me the scholarship, but it is the fact that you were there for me the whole year standing by my side when life wasn't that easy. Υou made me feel like home and always remind me to work hard and never give up. Always told me not to forget where i come from and what my goals are if i have forgotten. Also I know that you ll still be for the rest of my days there and I really appreciate that. The chance that you gave me to get here in the States and the experience that i got out of it is something that i would recommend to everyone. Life is not easy but if you try hard and never give up your time to shine will come. Thanks again and I want to admit that without your help I wouldn't be where I am.
Panagiotis Zaraidonis
LeMoyne College


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Oprah Winfrey Biography, History, Asset and Net Worth
Orpah Gail Winfrey popularly known as Oprah Winfrey is a famous American businesswoman, investor, entrepreneur, media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and a philanthropist. She is best known for her talk show at The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was the highest-rated television program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011 in Chicago, Illinois in the United States of America. She is currently the chairwoman and chief executive officer CEO of Harpo Productions and Oprah Winfrey Network.
She was born on 29th January 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi in the United States of America. She is currently 64 years old. She has been dubbed as the Queen of All Media. She is currently the richest African American woman of the 20th century and North America's first multi-billionaire black person. She has been ranked as the greatest black philanthropist in American history. She has also been ranked by several media organization as the most influential woman in the world.
Oprah Winfrey was born into a poor family in rural Mississippi to a teenage single mother and later raised in an inner-city of Milwaukee neighborhood. However, during an interview she stated that she was molested during her childhood and early teens and became pregnant at the age of 14 years old. She gave birth in 1968 and unfortunately, her son named Canaan died in infancy in 1968. After the death of her child, she was sent to live with the man she calls her father, by the name Vernon Winfrey, who happens to be a barber in Tennessee in the United States of America.
Oprah Winfrey attended Nicolet High School in Kosciusko, Mississippi in the United States of America. After which she proceeded to East Literature Magnet School in Kosciusko, Mississippi in the United States of America for her college education. After completing her high school and college education, Oprah Winfrey proceeded to Tennessee State University in the United States of America and graduated in 1976.
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While still in high school, Oprah Winfrey landed a job in radio and began co-anchoring the local evening news at the age of 19 years old. Her emotional ad-lib delivery eventually got her transferred to the daytime talk show arena, and after boosting a third-rated local Chicago talk show to first place, she launched her own media production company and became internationally syndicated.
By the mid 1990s, Oprah Winfrey had already reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement and spirituality. Unfortunately, she was heavily criticized for unleashing a confession culture, promoting controversial self help ideas and having an overly emotion-centered approach. Aside from been criticized, she was also praised for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others.
In 1993, Oprah Winfrey hosted a celebrity interview with pop legend late Michael Jackson, which became the fourth most-watched event in American television history as well as the most watched interview ever, with an audience of 36.5 million. On 1st December 2005, Oprah Winfrey appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman to promote the new Broadway musical "The Color Purple" a show of which she was also a producer and which was hosted for the first time in 16 years.
The episode was hailed by some as the "television event of the decade" and helped Letterman attract an estimated number 13.45 million viewers, which happens to be his largest audience in more than 11 years. On 10th September 2007, Letterman made his first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, as its season premiere was filmed in New York City in the United States of America.
Oprah Winfrey has been described arguably as the world's most powerful woman by CNN and Time Magazine. She has also been described arguably as the most influential woman in the world by The American Spectator. She has also been described as one of the 100 people who have influenced the 20th century and also one of the most influential people from 2004 to 2011 by Time Magazine. Oprah Winfrey is the only person in the world to have appeared in the latter list on ten occasions.
At the end of the 20th century, Life Magazine listed her as the most influential woman in America, America's most powerful woman and the most influential black person of her generation. In 2007, USA Today ranked her as the most influential woman and most influential black person of the previous quarter-century. Ladies Home Journal also ranked her as the number one in their list of the most powerful women in America.
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In1998, Oprah Winfrey became the first woman and first African American to top Entertainment Weekly's list of the 101 most powerful people in the entertainment industry. In 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013, Forbes Magazine named her as the world's most powerful celebrity. As chairman and CEO of Harpo Incorporation, she was named as the Most Powerful Woman in Entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter in 2008. In 2014, she was listed as one of the most powerful 100 women in the world by Forbes Magazine and was ranked as the number 14th.
In 2010, Life magazine named Oprah Winfrey as one of the 100 people who changed the world, alongside with Elvis Presley and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. Unfortunately, Oprah Winfrey was the only living woman to make that prestigious list.
In 2005, Oprah Winfrey was named as the greatest woman in American history and was also ranked No. 9 overall on the list of greatest Americans. However, polls estimating Oprah Winfrey's personal popularity have been inconsistent. A November 2003 Gallup poll estimated that 73% of American adults had a favorable view of Oprah Winfrey. Another Gallup poll in January 2007 estimated the figure at 74%, although it dropped to 66% when Gallup conducted the same poll in October 2007.
A December 2007 Fox News poll put the figure at 55%. According to Gallup's annual most admired poll, Americans consistently rank Oprah Winfrey as one of the most admired women in the world. Her highest rating came in 2007 when she was statistically tied with Hilary Clinton for first place. In a list compiled by the British magazine in September 2010, she was voted 38th in the list of The World's 50 Most Influential Figures of 2010″. In 1989, she was accepted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame. In 2004, Oprah Winfrey became the first black person to rank among the 50 most generous Americans and she remained among the top 50 until 2010. By 2012, she had given away about $400 million to educational causes.
As of 2012, Oprah Winfrey had also given over 400 scholarships to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States of America. In 2002, Oprah Winfrey was the recipient of the first Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2002 Emmy Awards for services to television and film. To celebrate two decades on national television and to thank her employees for their hard work, Oprah Winfrey took her staff and their families of over 1,065 people in total on a vacation to Hawaii in the summer of 2006.
In 2013, Oprah Winfrey donated over $12 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Aside from being a television personality and an active philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey is also an actress and has acted in several movies which include The Color Purple, Native Son, There are No Children Here, The Princess and the Frog, amongst others.
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Oprah Winfrey is currently one of the richest and most influential personality in the United States of America and one of the 100th richest people in the world with an estimated net worth of $3 billion.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl