”My workday shifts between accounting, HR, spontaneous actions, and the sick room – creative, exciting and never what you'd expect.” – A conversation with Ursula (Staff member since 2011)

Ursula Simen

Accounting / HR Staff, Assistant School Nurse

Since when have you been at the Ecole and why did you decide to join the team?

Since August 2011. Our son was well supported and accepted by the Ecole. As a mother, I appreciated that approach. With a degree in Business Administration (specializing in Controlling), a background as a naturopath (focused on classical homeopathy), and as an expat (our children grew up around international schools), I felt I could contribute well to this “crazy place” – and I love it! I’m also a certified dog education consultant (including mantrailing instructor), and my Labrador-mix office dog is a school support dog. Who else gets to combine three professions in one job?!

What does a typical workday look like for you? What do you do at the Ecole?

• Theoretically: Day-to-day accounting work (I keep the books for Ecole d’Humanité Hasliberg AG, the Ecole d’Humanité Genossenschaft, Gesellschaft Hasliberghaus AG, Stiftung zur Förderung der Genossenschaft Ecole d'Humanité, and the pura vida Stiftung für Kinder und Jugendliche); occasional support in HR and Assistant School Nurse (sick room service, visiting ill/injured students, accompanying them to the doctor).

• Practically: Creative chaos, lots of spontaneous actions – super exciting and, as the saying goes: 1. things turn out differently, and 2., than you think.

What is the most inspiring part of your job and the Ecole?

The people.

If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be…

… off traveling.

What advice would you give to our ambitious students?

Carpe Diem (seize the day)

If you could join an Ecole afternoon course, which one would be your first choice?

Folk dance