How did you go from dreaming of studying dentistry to studying economics?

I already had a place to study dentistry in Iraq, but I couldn't start because of the war. That was very painful and stayed with me for a long time. That's why I really wanted to study dentistry again in Germany. However, I didn't have a German passport at the time and only around five percent of university places go to non-EU applicants - so my chances were very slim.

I then thought about doing an apprenticeship in a dental practice to stay in the field. I was able to speak very openly with my supervisor there and he advised me not to waste any more time because it was uncertain whether I would get a place despite the waiting semesters.

That's why I reoriented myself and applied to tax firms. It wasn't an easy decision, but looking back it was the right one. I had already lost a lot of time due to the war and other circumstances. At the same time, I applied to three universities - and was accepted by all of them. In the end, I chose TU Dortmund University because I was impressed by the content and the reputation.

How did talent scouting help you on the way to your current scholarship?

Right at the beginning of my studies, I applied for the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship - and was successful. Shortly afterwards, I came across a flyer about talent scouting. I wanted to take a look at it and attended the first workshops.

Together with my scout, I then found out more about various scholarships and realized that the values and idealistic support were particularly important to me. That's how I discovered the Cusanuswerk. In addition to financial support, social commitment and the assumption of responsibility also play a major role there. If you perform well, you are supported throughout your studies. I was able to find out more at a talent scouting workshop and then applied there with the support of my scout. After I was accepted, I switched to the new scholarship. What made a particular impression on me in this work was the idealistic support: the workshops, the exchange, taking on responsibility myself. As a scholarship holder, I took part in exciting events, led campus tours, advised on scholarship days and also got involved across the university. This commitment still enriches me today.

In your opinion, what was important in mastering a difficult path like yours?

When people ask me what my greatest strength was, I say: determination. You have to believe in yourself and not give up.

My mother also gave me a lot of encouragement to take a different path. She is a banker herself and kept telling me that I was strong in math and analytical thinking. Initially, economics wasn't my heart's desire - but I realized that I really enjoyed it. If I had realized that it wasn't a good fit, I would have switched. But that wasn't necessary.

My family - my parents and my brother - have always supported me. The fact that I come from an educated family has certainly also played a role. This support was incredibly important.

Where are you today and what is your wish for the future?

After a long break due to a family situation, I have resumed my studies and am now studying for a Master's degree. I have successfully completed my Bachelor's degree.

My next goal is clear: I want to finish my Master's degree well. After that, I would like to have a good career start - ideally in the field of finance, controlling or auditing, because that is my specialization.