19 Dec 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Karl Guest, headteacher at St Columba’s College in St Albans since September 2023.
Where do you go to listen to music?
I try to find music wherever and whenever I can. I am a huge fan of live music, so you’ll often find me at music venues. I will be travelling to Scotland to see my favourite band (Del Amitri).
CD, vinyl, download or streaming?
I am a child of the ‘80s so vinyl will always be my go-to. However, I couldn’t live without Spotify.
Are things getting better or worse?
Better – always better. Optimism or pessimism: only we can choose.
Were you well behaved at school?
Yes – was neither a hell-raiser nor teacher’s pet. Had good days and bad days – and wouldn’t change it for the world.
What’s your favourite meal?
I am from Burmese heritage on both sides of my family, so a nice, spicy Burmese pork curry with boiled rice is my idea of food heaven.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a cleaner and shelf stacker of a chemist that my mum worked in. I have, however, worked as a night shelf-stacker in Hamley’s during Christmas – the stuff that dreams are made of!
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
The Waffle House – waffles are amazing – my favourite is banana with maple syrup.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
The King Harry – great food, great team and the weekly quiz is something that I’d like to get to more often…
What was your best subject at school?
I am a Philosophy and Religious Studies teacher at heart, so these have always been what engages me the most… I prefer subjects where the question is more important than the answer.
Who was your favourite cartoon character when you were a kid?
Top Cat – so much so, I named my mobile DJ set up after him!
