In my life

Melanie Morris, Editor, Image Magazine

Where did you go to school?

Rathdown School, Glenageary at primary level and Our Ladies School, Rathnew, Co Wicklow at secondary level.

What was your best subject?

Anything that involved copious amounts of writing. I was also good at maths, though I didn't realise it at the time.

What was your worst subject?

Irish and physical education.

If you could put a new subject on the Leaving Cert, what would it be?

Manners!

What was your earliest career ambition?

To work for Lynne Franks PR in London (like Edina Monsoon in Absolutely Fabulous); thankfully, it was my first job and lasted six years.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Mrs Brangan - because she was beautiful and fierce.

Who was your childhood idol?

Lindsay Wagner as The Bionic Woman. It must be a beautiful/fierce thing.

Who was your best friend?

Marco Barisone, whom I met on a beach in Dunmore East when we were both three. It transpired his mother's family had lived in my family home in Dublin a generation previously.

What is he doing now?

He's an academic in London.

What TV programme/film most reminds you of your school days?

Swap Shop with Noel Edmonds.

What song most reminds you of your school days?

Every Breath You Take by The Police, released at the time of my Leaving Cert when the sun was splitting the stones.

What food most reminds you of your school days?

Refined carbohydrates.

What was your school uniform like?

Brown and green tartan. The highlight was a green woollen cloak.

What's the boldest thing you ever did in school?

Not telling; I was never found out.

Who did you bring to your debs?

David Holland, a brainy Clongowes boy who's now a barrister.

What was your most memorable holiday?

Several - my parents were great for holidays, but I'll never forget my first time in a five-star hotel. I thought I'd gone to heaven.

What's the last book you read?

Eating Myself by Candida Crew.

Did you go to college and if so, what did you study?

I did the Bcomm in UCD.

Would you send your own children to the same school that you went to?

Rathnew has closed down, and I have no kids!

What was the best thing about your education?

That neither schools produced a "type"; we were allowed to be individuals.

What was the worst thing about your education?

Finishing it and getting on with work.