Were you aware before your studies that you had all the prerequisites for a scholarship? How did you become aware of the topic?
Yes, it was clear to me even before I started my studies that I might have a chance of receiving a study scholarship. After all, I had already been a START Foundation scholarship holder as a high school student and thus already had experience with the subject. So I knew that commitment, interests and voluntary work in particular were decisive for a scholarship - and I had a lot of that. When I was a student, the NRW talent promotion program made me aware of scholarships.
How did your university support you in your application?
At the time of the application, I was still a student. My talent scout, with whom I am still in contact today, accompanied me during the application process and prepared me for the selection seminar.
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 my case, it was so that my commitment and my biography could compensate for my grades. I didn't have an A average. But I was a student representative, a grade level representative, and a member of the SV and selection committee for filling teaching positions at my school. My work on the selection committee was particularly important to me because I always made sure that new teachers at my school were not only hired according to their grades, but also according to their pedagogical skills. I am also very interested in politics and social issues. All of this apparently led to me being able to convince the jury in the interview for the scholarship.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
For me, it means being a role model for others, being tolerant and helpful. As a fellowship recipient, I am part of a network and a very diverse fellowship. That has a lot to do with responsibility. I also see my scholarship as an award for my achievements so far and motivation for my studies. The financial support also allows me to concentrate on my studies because I don't have to work a job on the side.
What tips would you give to pupils and students who are interested in a scholarship? / ...would like to apply for a scholarship?
Have the courage! Even if your grades are in the middle of the pack. With a lot of commitment and interest, you can still make it. An application costs time, but no money and you have nothing to lose. You can apply for a study scholarship even before you graduate from high school. So start informing yourself early!
You should inform yourself well beforehand about which foundation and which program is suitable for you. Depending on whether you are perhaps interested in politics, faith and religion, or other topics, you may be more or less suited to a foundation. For example, some gifted and talented foundations have extra programs for first-time academics like me. It takes a while to get an overview - even of the application documents, which can be a bit time-consuming.
It is best to seek support in good time, e.g. from talent scouts - also at the TU Dortmund - or from ArbeiterKind.