Faculty Spotlight : Susanna Torres Prieto
In the classroom, we often only perceive the educational facet of the person teaching us, as their key duty is to impart knowledge. As a result, this leaves little space to know them outside of the university sphere. This week, we invite students to get to know a bit more about Susana Torres Prieto, an allegedly strict yet extraordinary teacher.
What degree do you teach?
All of them, I am a professor of Humanities and we are in every degree.
When did you begin teaching?
In general, more than twenty years ago, that would be 1995. And in IE, 2013.
Why did you choose to teach?
Because I think sharing what you have managed to learn with others is a great gift.
What did you study at university?
I studied Slavonic Philology in Madrid in the Complutense, then I did my PhD in Cambridge and my post-doctorate in Paris on Historical studies.
If you could give advice to your 20-year-old self, what would it be?
Don’t worry, there is plenty of time for everything and you do not have the full control of your life anyway.
What is your favourite hobby?
Walking with my dog in the forest.
If you weren't teaching, what would you be doing?
Running a catering service or a bookshop.
What do you love most about teaching?
The faces of my students when they finally realise what I am saying to them, and the feeling of people coming back years later and saying: Thank you professor, because I learnt something important.
What do you hate most about teaching?
Having to do exams, having sometimes to agree to certain educational policies I might not like, and when students are constantly disruptive
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?
The Dalai Lama.
What's something you are very passionate about?
Justice! I hate injustices being done on anybody. I think injustice is really what makes me more angry.
What is something your students don't know about you?
Probably that I love cooking, and that I like embroidering.
What is something that students do that truly annoys you?
Being there as vegetables. This is college, I assume you (students) are free people. I hate when people come to my class just for the sake of an absence.
Who is someone you highly admire and why?
There are many women who I think were extremely conscientious in their work and focused. Mary Curie would be one of them.
If there is one thing you could change in today's world, what would it be?
Inequality between men and women
What is your favourite book?
The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann.
What is your ideal holiday
A beach of very clean waters.
One word that describes you
passionate!
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