Kathrin, teacher for special needs education, Foundation of German Business - Studienkolleg
Were you aware before your studies that you had all the prerequisites for a scholarship? How did you become aware of the topic?
After graduating from high school, I was nominated by my school for the German National Academic Foundation, but failed in the admission process. Through internet research and contact with other applicants, I then realized that there were more study foundations in Germany and I applied to Villigst and for the Deutschlandstipendium. I then received the Deutschlandstipendium for a year before successfully applying to the Studienstiftung der deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw) at the Studienkolleg.
How did the TU Dortmund support you in your application?
I became aware of the sdw through an e-mail from the rehabilitation science department in which a scholarship holder encouraged applications. I also became aware of the Deutschlandstipendium through posters on the university grounds. I did not receive any other support from the university.
In addition to good to very good school/study performance, commitment can also be a prerequisite for a scholarship. What kind of commitment did you show?
In addition to my studies, I am involved with FerienFüchse e.V., which organizes weekend activities in Dortmund and the surrounding area for people with intellectual disabilities and takes them on vacation camps. I am also involved in youth work in my parish and in the sponsoring association of the Bodelschwingh Church in Wechte, which is committed to maintaining the church building as a place of worship.
What has changed in your life/study as a result of the scholarship?
I have made contact with many talented and committed people who encourage me to work for our society and make a difference. Through the contacts of the sdw, I have been able to visit many award-winning schools of the German School Award and thus bring more practical experience into my studies. Through my involvement in the sdw regional group, I have discussed topics that I would never have thought about otherwise and learned about the history of the Ruhr region, for example, through guided tours of coal mines.
What do you dream about professionally, what would you like to achieve later?
If possible, I would like to teach at a good inclusive school that, through its school concept, financial and staffing resources, and other framework conditions, is suitable for offering the best possible support to students with and without disabilities.