Meet Ms Timea Mester, Teacher of Psychology & PSHE. We were excited to sit down with her and learn more about her role and experience!

How long have you worked at the school?

Although it's only been a few months since I joined Mill Hill International, the friendly and welcoming pupils and staff have made me feel like I've been part of the school community for much longer.

What does your role involve?

I am a Psychology and PSHE teacher at Mill Hill International. I teach Psychology to pupils in Year 10 and 11 and PSHE to all year groups, which gives me the wonderful opportunity to get to know almost every pupil in the school. I am passionate about all the different fields of Psychology and thoroughly enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for the subject with my pupils.

What’s your favourite thing about the school?

I love the friendly, family feel of this small school, its beautiful and characterful buildings nestled in the leafy part of Mill Hill Village, and the lovely view of trees and squirrels from my classroom window.

What advice would you give to pupils to help them get the most out of their time here?

I would encourage them to find a good balance between their studies and enjoying time spent with their friends. These are such important years for building those strong, lifelong friendships – ones they will treasure for years to come.

What’s your favourite book and film for our pupils, and why?

As a reader, I'm drawn to stories that explore complex themes with emotional depth. Fredrik Backman's Beartown series does this beautifully, examining loyalty, morality, and community through compelling characters and intricate dynamics in a seemingly idyllic setting. Backman tackles difficult themes and explores complex social issues powerfully, and I would highly recommend his books to my pupils.

I enjoy murder mysteries and crime dramas, but it's the exploration of psychological issues that truly captivates me. Psychological thrillers are my absolute favourite genre because they delve into the minds of both the criminals and those trying to catch them. Series like Mindhunter, Hannibal, Dexter and The Sinner were particularly compelling, showcasing the dark side of human nature, but I also appreciate the intricate plotting and suspense of well-crafted police dramas, such as Line of Duty and Happy Valley.

Can you share an inspirational quote and explain why it resonates with you?

Resilience is key to success, and Gregory S. Williams's quote, 'On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin,' captures this perfectly. I often remind my pupils that the challenges they face today are building that very resilience, preparing them for future academic success.

What’s something interesting about you that people might not know?

I come from a small village in Hungary where my family and I grew vegetables. Working in the garden with my family instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and the simple things in life. My little sister and I spent our summers playing, gardening, and watering the flowers (and sometimes each other!), creating cherished memories. I feel very lucky to have had such a free, messy, and healthy childhood, a childhood that shaped who I am today.