My university years taught me to be independent and plan ahead consciously, and they opened doors for me. I had a wide range of opportunities to choose from, which meant self-fulfilment, setting and achieving new goals.

I learned from teachers who broadened my interests, motivated me and supported me. I had always planned to become a teacher, but the atmosphere of student academic work, the third place at the National Scientific Students’ Associations Conference, the whole process of preparation and the experience of success set a new direction for me: I became a doctorate student.

I am particularly pleased that my current scientific work - research on healthy lifestyles, especially on the regional differences in daily physical education - is important not only for obtaining my doctoral degree, but also for helping people in our fast-paced world to lead a physically active, sporty lifestyle.

I have not had to give up my dream of becoming a teacher either, as the university has offered me a great opportunity. As an assistant lecturer, I have found myself in a community where both the wider (faculty) and the narrower (departmental) environment love youthful impetus and support new ideas that can develop my creativity. The University of Pécs offers many application opportunities for my personal development, study trips abroad, research and professional training.

I have fulfilled my potential in competitive sports in the world of visual dance (world championship gold medal winner seven times) and rope jumping (Student Olympiad gold medal winner). To my great pleasure, I have been able to pursue my favourite sports at the university. I have been an active member of the University of Pécs Dance Ensemble for 9 years. As a student, I led a course at the Dancing University, and I am currently the head coach (and a competitor at the same time) of the University of Pécs PEAC Cheerleading Department. And I make my students love rope jumping in my courses. My work was recognised with the University Sports Life Award first in 2019 and then in 2022.

I came to the University of Pécs for knowledge, but I have received much more than that: I have become part of a new family where dreams can be realised and new goals can be born.

I am in the right place, where the "right way" is provided by the University of Pécs.

 

Vargáné Szalai Kata

 

assistant lecturer

Institute of Sport Science and Physical Education

PhD student

Doctoral School of Earth Sciences

Faculty of Sciences