She came to FME from an eight-year grammar school and successfully completed her studies thanks to the mutual support of new friends from the same field. Thanks to her years at the grammar school, she excelled in mathematics, but in vocational subjects, she appreciated the help she received from her classmates from technical schools. Now Anna Imrichová is continuing her doctoral studies at the Energy Institute and heads the Student Chamber of the Academic Senate (SKAS) of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Her goal is to help students find ways out of difficult study situations but also to create an environment where they can enjoy this period of their lives.
What brought you to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering?
Actually, my fears. (laughs) Originally, I wanted to go to Prague to the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering of the Czech Technical University, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it there. During the preparation for my high school graduation, I found out that I didn't enjoy physics that much and I was glad that I could start studying Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering.
What surprised you at the beginning of your studies?
In the first year, there were lectures on mathematics and design just after each other. I remember quite clearly that when we were taught derivatives in mathematics, I was thinking to myself that it was not a big deal, while my classmates from technical schools didn't understand it at all and were completely devastated. Then the design started and it turned completely 180 degrees. I didn't understand what was going on in the subject, and the boys from the technical school all said how easy it was.
What advice would you give to freshmen who are worried about how they will handle the exams now, in the middle of the semester?
I would devote the first semester only to school until I fully get accustomed to it. It is important to know that everyone comes from a different high school. Don't benchmark, but try to make new friends. In the pub, you can also arrange joint learning or tutoring. When students support each other, things can be much easier than when you try to make it on your own. That's my own experience. I had three friends with whom we supported each other a lot.
In addition to working in science, you are the chairperson of the Student Chamber of the Academic Senate at FEM. How would you describe your work to students who may not have heard anything about SKAS yet?
We are a group of twelve ordinary students whose goal is to make life at the faculty more pleasant for students. We are organizing the Engineering Stairs Race, next year we are going to prepare a student ball and we are also planning new events such as breakfast with the Dean, the first round of which is scheduled for December. We collect various suggestions from students and discuss with the faculty management whether and how they could be implemented.
How do the students see FME as a faculty? What does it stand for?
In my opinion, it is a very accommodating faculty. When I compare it to stories I heard from other faculties, everyone here really tries to accommodate students. First of all, I would like to highlight the work of the Office for Studies. You can write an e-mail to them at midnight and you will have an answer by the morning. The faculty tries a lot to help students not to be overwhelmed by their studies. It offers the help of ambassadors of individual fields and repetititoria, which are refresher lessons where senior students teach freshmen or second-graders. I have always appreciated the effort of individual teachers. I also like the fact that the faculty takes the survey evaluating the quality of teaching very seriously. Teachers have a high level of expertise, often have practical experience with industry and know exactly what they are teaching and why. Students have a great chance to graduate, even if they don't really feel like diving into the curriculum. (laughs)
How can students contact you?
If a student has any suggestions, they can write us an email, or a message on social media, or we are also present on Discord, where there is a SKAS thread.
What are the most frequently asked questions?
It's varied but tied to what time of year it is. During the exam period, exams are discussed, and during graduation ceremonies, we intensively discussed whether it would be possible to arrange for fresh graduates to know the date of the graduation ceremony earlier. We also discussed the possibility of electronic enrollment. The Office for Study is already trying to accommodate students who would need this form of enrolment so that they would not have to travel from Košice to Brno just to sign documents. A frequently appearing topic is also the water aerator – some students wish to have sparkling water since the vending machine is next door at FEEC. The Secretary promised that after the reconstruction, this device is to also appear in A5. We also dealt intensively with the issue of lecture streaming.
Why?
Students wanted all lectures to be streamed. However, we have come across the fact that not all rooms are equipped for this, and in those, where it is possible – i.e. in Aula Q and large „P“ lecture halls– 97 per cent of all lectures at bachelor's studies are streamed. Who could have imagined ten years ago, that students would be able to watch their lecture from bed?
Do you think it is beneficial that students have the opportunity to watch lectures anywhere and anytime?
Of course, there are arguments that older generations managed to do it without streaming. It always depends on how the students take it. If they only play the stream as a backdrop when they don't want to get out of bed in the morning, they won't get much out of it anyway. But if a student goes to work and watches the lecture in the evening and takes notes from it, then of course it is beneficial. The recordings also allow students to replay the lecture and refresh something they do not understand.
Where do you see space for further improvement of the faculty?
I ran for SKAS with the idea that I would like to bring us closer to students. So that students know that the Dean's Office is not just a mysterious 3rd floor, but that it is specific people like Dean Hlinka or Vice-Dean Hoderová who are willing to do a lot for them.
What awaits SKAS now?
On Wednesday, November 13, I would like to invite all students, teachers and graduates to the Engineering Stairs. This is the largest event this year, which we are preparing with the help of the faculty and student volunteers.
Will you be able to run up the Engineering Stairs yourself?
We are registered as a relay for the Energy Institute. So for a while, I will literally run away from my duties that day.
Another big event that SKAS is preparing is the FSI Student Ball. Why did you decide to organize the ball?
I was also at the FME representative ball and I liked it very much, but we see a demand from students for a less formal event. That's why we wanted to provide students with an alternative where they can come in dresses and pumps, but at the same time they can "party".
When can students look forward to it?
It will be held on Thursday, March 13, a week before the faculty ball. We will be publishing all the information gradually on Instagram and Facebook, but for now, I can reveal that the ball will take place in the Babylon Community Center.