The University of Pécs means one half of my life. It is where I studied, met the love of my life, made life-long friends, started my adult life, got my first job. And yes, at least half of my days are still about the university, as it has been for more than two decades.

It also means the roots. I know who my first boss was, and the package he gave me has lasted to this day, giving me a solid foundation and a firm footing. Thank you!

The university signifies stability. I like constancy. The same workplace for more than two decades, the same office, the same tree under my window, gnarled, with dry branches, cut back from time to time to be able to renew... The same job, the same colleagues (more or less), the same rhythm repeated from semester to semester, the rhythm of the academic year that predictably makes its way through the passing of time. Yes, I know what I did this time last year...

It represents variety. I like variety. No two days, weeks and semesters are the same. My work involves thousands of tasks, questions and problems. I never know who will knock on my door - which is always open - asking for help, waiting for a solution.

The university means challenge. The biggest challenge to accept is that only one thing is constant, which is nothing else than change itself. There will always be a new application, a new employee, a new procedure, a new email, another deadline.

It means both small and big. It represents people: a colleague, a student, a doctoral student, a teacher, and of course your favourite porter and cleaner. But it also means a department, an institute, an office and the Faculty of Arts itself. And it also includes all levels: undergraduate, teacher training, MA, PhD, defences of thesis and habilitations.

The university means change. I can see students growing up. Startled freshmen enter the department secretariat every year, and just last week one of them defended his doctoral thesis. When did he grow up that we have not even noticed? I can see my colleagues retire, and I cannot even count the number of anniversaries and farewells I have organised, and the photo books filled with memories of our years together.

Hegedüs Katalin

 

administrative expert

Institute of Historical Sciences

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences