I attended the St Edith Stein Grammar School from 2014 to 2019 in the class of Mrs Mgr Petra Filová. After my leaving examinations, I decided to study International Business Administration at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in Bavaria. My bachelor’s programme was structured as two years of study at the home university and two years abroad. I studied in France at Toulouse Business School, in China at Peking University, and in the United States at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. In Beijing I also completed an internship at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in the section for economic diplomacy. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I decided to enter professional practice, and I currently work for the investment bank Wood & Company in Bratislava.
I remember my years at GYMES as colourful and inspiring, years that gave me far more than knowledge from textbooks and the piles of worksheets we received from teachers. The school was a place where I could develop in many directions, from the Anton Neuwirth Secondary School College, now known as the Great Works Academy, to the student council GymPulz, as well as the debate club and Drama Club. Discussions with interesting guests were often organised, we engaged in volunteer work, and once the president even invited us to visit the Presidential Palace. The school was alive.
I remember how, during breaks, we would sit in the corridors with newspapers in our hands and discuss what was happening at home and around the world. Teachers would often stop by and spontaneously join the conversation. The school taught us to be informed and thoughtful people who care about what is happening around them. The spiritual dimension was also an integral part of life at GYMES. We had excellent teachers of religion and priests whom we could always approach. I remember with gratitude the spiritual retreats, which served not only to strengthen our class community but also to foster personal spiritual growth.
Another wonderful opportunity during my time at GYMES was studying abroad. I completed two such stays. In my third year I went to the United States for a year through the Global Outreach programme, and in my fifth year I spent half a year in Germany through the CM Exchange programme. My experience in America was a turning point for me. There I encountered the subject of Economics, which fascinated me so much that I switched from humanities seminars to mathematics and computer science.
When I left for Germany, I already had a clear goal: to improve my German and apply to a university in Bavaria after graduation. These experiences shaped me so profoundly that today I am personally involved in the Catholic exchange programme CM Exchange together with another GYMES graduate, helping to provide this opportunity for other students.
Quality education is undoubtedly a great value, but the most precious thing I carry with me from GYMES is the human relationships. The friendships that formed there are valuable to me not only professionally, but above all because of the shared values that unite us. Relationships like these cannot be planned or bought. They are a gift.
I thank GYMES for the meaningful years I spent there and wish it continued success in forming young people who will live responsible and purposeful lives.
If you could return to school for one day, which day would it be and why?
I would return either to a class teambuilding event or to GYMESfest. Both events always had a wonderful atmosphere.
Have any of your friendships from GYMES lasted until today?
Certainly yes, and they often lead to very spontaneous encounters. The most surprising moment for me was meeting a GYMES graduate, Lívia from my year, at a party in Beijing. It really showed how small the world can be.
Which school activity remains most memorable for you and why?
Once in history class, when we were studying the Crusades, Mr Filip chose me to deliver the famous speech of Pope Urban II from 1095 at the Council of Clermont, in which he called Christian knights to liberate the Holy Land from Muslim rule. I became so immersed in the role that later that day my classmates changed my nickname in the class chat to “Pope Urban II”.
Which achievement at GYMES outside the classroom are you most proud of?
I managed to arrange a half-year stay at GYMES for a friend from Wisconsin in the United States. During a video call he mentioned that he was planning a gap year, so I suggested that he come to spend half a year at GYMES. He asked whether that would really be possible. I mentioned it to the school leadership at the time, they listened to the idea and eventually agreed. Cordell stayed with a host family connected to GYMES, attended Slovak lessons with the youngest students and joined us fifth-year students in our other classes.
What advice would you give to current students?
Ora et labora.
