Interview

From my perspective, school gives a solid academic foundation, but it often falls short when it comes to practical skills like managing money, cooking, or dealing with official paperwork. Students spend years studying calculus, yet many graduate without knowing how to write a CV or pay taxes. I think a better balance between academic and life skills would make school education far more valuable.

Without hesitation, I would say English is my favourite subject, mainly because it opens the door to so many opportunities — from travelling and communicating with people around the world to accessing books, films, and careers that would otherwise be out of reach. I also find language itself genuinely fascinating — the way grammar works like a system of rules that you can master step by step. My teacher's enthusiasm definitely helps too.

It depends on the amount and the type of homework. A reasonable amount of practice at home genuinely helps to consolidate what was learnt in class — especially for languages and maths. However, when students are given several hours of assignments every evening, it leaves no time for rest, hobbies, or family, which can lead to burnout. I think the key is balance — homework should reinforce learning, not replace a student's personal life.

Above all else, I think a great teacher needs to be genuinely passionate about their subject, because enthusiasm is contagious — when a teacher is excited about what they are teaching, students naturally become more engaged. The ability to explain difficult concepts clearly and patiently is equally important. I once had a maths teacher who could take the most confusing topic and break it down into simple steps without making anyone feel stupid for not understanding straight away.

While both have their merits, I personally prefer the traditional classroom environment, mainly because of the social aspect — learning alongside classmates, asking questions in real time, and building relationships with teachers feels irreplaceable. Online learning certainly offers flexibility and access to resources from anywhere in the world, which is a genuine advantage. However, it requires a lot of self-discipline, and the lack of live interaction can make it harder to stay motivated over time.