Read the latest installment of our series introducing colleagues from across the Faculty’s departments and offices. Each edition features the same set of seven questions for one colleague. This time, we spoke with Marek Janoš, a PR and Marketing Specialist in the Communication Office.
“We want to build a vibrant community at FSS. One of the challenges is trusting the process, because not everything can be measured. Community building is all about the details; it takes time, and its effects often only become visible only later on. At the same time, it is a delicate organism that can be harmed by a single careless misstep. In the end, though, it always brings joy—the joy of knowing that our faculty truly has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”
Marek Janoš, a PR and Marketing Specialist
What does your ideal morning look like?
My ideal morning is a long one. A very long one. It includes breakfast prepared by someone else. It includes someone I care about. It does not include notifications or a phone screen. The location does not matter all that much. With all of the above in place, the morning already has everything it needs.
If I had to choose a setting, though, it might be on the balcony of my favorite café in my hometown of Uherské Hradiště, surrounded by the familiar hum of voices and the sound of the espresso machine. Or perhaps somewhere near a busy marketplace far away in the Middle East, with the scent of black tea, mint, and za’atar hanging in the air. Or in a tent in the mountains, with snow and ice all around and nothing but silence.
What book or books have you read recently, and would you recommend them?
There are quite a few. I wouldn’t call myself much of a reader, but I always have several books going at once. And I do enjoy recommending things.
One book I’ve really enjoyed recently is Shah of Shahs by Ryszard Kapuściński. Through a series of almost Tarantino-like snapshots, the book explores the history of Iran and the identity of its proud society. I rarely reread books, but after many years I returned to Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. It is written in a remarkable style and carries a nice message that I appreciate: there is always hope.
Another book that comes to mind is Hry bez hranic by Michal Kašpárek, whom I first got to know at FSS as an excellent instructor during my student years.
What do you look forward to most in your workday?
Definitely my great colleagues and seeing which familiar faces I’ll run into around the faculty that day. A good cup of coffee and a sweet treat are high on the list as well. And, of course, I always look forward to seeing what the day has in store. Something always manages to surprise me, because at FSS, anything can happen…
What has surprised you the most in the past six months?
That many powerful moments can happen where you least expect them. That many great places are disappearing. That finding the right taillight for an old car can be a total nightmare. Most of all, though, I’ve been surprised by how quickly the past six months have flown by.
What is your favorite place in the faculty?
I love a good view, so my favorite place is definitely the rooftop terrace. It’s a shame that it’s currently closed. They do say that forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest, but even from our fifth-floor office, there’s a beautiful view of Brno. And on top of that, I can always count on finding great people there.
What advice would you give to your student self?
Play fewer card games. Check your deadlines AT LEAST once in a while. Less instant noodles, please.
That term paper can wait a little longer when the weather is this nice. Take the keys to your apartment before you slam the door behind you. Some assignment submission systems stay open even after the official deadline. Go ahead and extend your studies by a semester. Or two.
Spend more time exploring the world around you, and look forward to the start of a new chapter after graduation. There is always something beautiful about new beginnings.
Read the latest installment of our series introducing colleagues from across the faculty. In each edition, we ask one colleague the same seven questions. This time, we spoke with Jan Kříž, Head of the FSS Central Library.
Our traditional Semestr-End gathering took place on the last Wednesday in June. Starting at 4 p.m., colleagues came together in the auditorium and in the courtyard, where the event continued to provide a great atmosphere throughout the hot afternoon and into the evening. We were delighted to see so many people take the opportunity to meet informally with colleagues from across the faculty. There were refreshments, a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere, and a well-deserved break after the busy end of the semester.
