Annette: Thank you, Simeon, for taking the time to give us an interview. Who are you? What defines you as a person—regardless of your family or background?
Simeon: I'm Simeon, I was born in 2010, and I really enjoy sports. That probably describes me best.
If you were born in 2010, do you have any memories of your great-grandmother?
I have some, yes. She often spoke about how naughty my grandmother was back in her school days (laughs). Of course, she also spoke about the Ecole – I don't remember that very well, but she described what it was like back then. She also spoke about how she came to Switzerland from Germany in 1936 and about those events. In any case, she never said anything negative about the school.
What are your first memories of the Ecole?
When I came here, I was struck by how international everything is! At first, the language barrier was also an issue, as I wasn't particularly good at English. But you learn extremely quickly when you're in contact with the people here, because you have to speak English all the time.
How does the Ecole differ from a normal school for you?
Classes were much larger there. Here it's more individual, which is very good. You have more contact with teachers – even outside of class. The atmosphere is completely different. And personally, I think things are explained much better.
What afternoon courses are you taking?
Since joining the Matura program, not so many, as we often have classes in the afternoon. But I do glass bead making and baking—I really enjoy baking. At the beginning, I had more classes, including sports.
Are you missing out on sports now?
No, I just go to the gym a lot. I manage to fit everything in. Because of the cell phone rules, I need my cell phone much less than I do at home – that leaves me more time for sports, too.
Do you have plans for the future?
I definitely want to finish the Matura. After that, I'd like to become a teacher or do something in politics.
What subjects would you teach?
History and sports. Maybe geography – I'm not good at it, but I enjoy it. We'll see, but I definitely want to teach history later on.
And your family history – did you look into that?
A little. I often talk to my grandmother about it, especially about my great-grandmother, Rosemarie Varga. It's really interesting; I don't think every family has a family history like ours, and I find ours particularly fascinating.
And it's pretty tough. Did that bother you as a kid?
Yeah, that whole World War II thing! My great-grandmother was super lucky that her mom sent her from Germany to Switzerland. Later, they moved to Israel and then came back. They almost moved to Canada—if that school hadn't offered her a job.
Is there anything you definitely want to do at the Ecole, apart from your Matura?
I want to get better at sports. Exercise regularly. And ski a lot. I'm really looking forward to the ski season.
You know the ski resort here?
Yes, I've been coming here every year since I was born. I feel very comfortable up there on the slopes.
Thank you very much!
Read the whole interview (in German)
