SPOTLIGHT – EVA SUSTEKOVA MUDRA
The Spotlight shines on Eva Sustekova Mudra our fitness loving, goulash making, searcher of inner peace, Head of EAL, Middle School Tutor and St Boniface House Tutor.
Eva was born in a country, which does not exist anymore, Czechoslovakia. Before starting at university, she took a gap year and worked as an au-pair, looking after 5 children on a farm in Suffolk. On her return, she enrolled to study English Language and Literature, both teaching and translating. After graduation, she briefly worked at a primary school and later became self-employed, teaching English, mainly to adults. Before settling down, she decided, with her husband (Mr Sustek) to have a short break from their respectful jobs and ended up in Warminster. They have lived here ever since!
How long have you worked at Warminster?
What started as a bit of an adventure 14 years ago, has somehow turned into finding a full time job, settling down and starting a family, very different from my husband's and my initial idea.
What are you looking forward to in your new role?
Meeting all new international pupils who decide to join our school. They arrive to our department full of expectations and excitement and I see guiding and supporting them on their journey to learn English in a country far away from their homes and families as a great responsibility.
Describe a typical Warminster day?
Busy. It normally starts with a quick chat with Mel, our cleaning lady in Furneaux, then 20 minutes with my tutor group, which is never dull, that is followed by a full day of teaching; occasional skype interview with a potential pupil from abroad or a meeting, quick lunch and a chat with my colleagues in the staff room, followed by more lessons in the afternoon. I tend to finish the day with a quick run or a gym session to clear my head before going home to be mum.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
People, both staff and pupils. My husband and I have made great friends here over the years and consider it our home now.
What would surprise us about you?
I was 13 years old when the communist regime was replaced by democracy in, at that time, Czechoslovakia. Most of what I had learned in my history lessons changed overnight and I remember all our books ending up in a skip. I keep wondering how surreal it must have been for our teachers.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
If I were to swap with someone, it would have to be an IB pupil. My sixth form experience was very different to what our pupils have here and I often wonder what choices I would make here, with all the options and activities.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Definitely not a teacher, not even at university. My ideas varied from studying medicine, which was more of a family choice, to translating literature or interpreting. What started as filling a gap until I find a job of my dreams eventually ended being not too far off one.
What did your school reports say about you?
I am afraid there are no reports in Slovakia as we know them here. All your hard work is hidden behind a single grade 1 to 5, 1 being the top. Mine used to be closer to the top end.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Don`t over-think, just have a go.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
I am a big fan of Kung Fu Panda films, they are full of inspirational quotes; I am still searching for my “inner peace.”
Hidden ambitions still to achieve?
To find that inner peace and would love to learn to play tennis.
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
Once all the family is out and safe, I would definitely go back and save my son's cuddly toy from his baby days. Teddy has become a member of our family and has been part of all our adventures.
Biggest bugbear?
Bad manners. According to my pupils, I can give very long lectures on the topic.
Favourite musician/group?
Mary J Blige, The Police, Red Hot Cilly Peppers, Adele, Smashing Pumpkins, Alicia Keyes, … the list is long.
Guilty pleasure?
Haribo, Tangfastics.
What would be your MasterChef signature dish?
According to my family and friends, it's goulash soup with red peppers, potatoes and sour cream.
Favourite TV programme?
Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch, just going through all of it again.
Last book you read?
Jon Sopel`s If Only They Didn`t Speak English, fascinating reading on what and why USA looks like and thinks like it does today.
Last movie watched?
In the cinema? Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker. I have become quite a fan.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Apparently, Winona Ryder.
Favourite tipple?
It would have to be a glass of mulled wine after a good day on a ski slope.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
My most favourite place in the world would be Zbojnicka Chalet in High Tatras in Slovakia. After about a 4 hour long hike with breath-taking views of mountain peaks, you find a place where I spent most of my youth. I still try to visit every year.
Twitter or Facebook?
I am afraid, none. I am a big fan of a good old-fashioned chat.