Marina, elementary school teaching, Deutsche Telekom Foundation, FundaMINT
Were you aware before your studies that you had all the prerequisites for a scholarship? How did you become aware of the topic?
Before I started my teaching fellowship, I didn't know that there were special fellowships for student teachers. To be honest, I didn't really look into this topic either. In my third semester, I accepted a position as a student assistant. The professor I worked for told us about the FundaMint student teaching scholarship in a team meeting and offered to recommend us student assistants for it.
How did the TU Dortmund support you in your application?
For a successful application for the FundaMINT teaching scholarship it is necessary to present at least one - better two - recommendation(s). I received two very positive and very detailed letters of recommendation upon request. I was very grateful that the lecturers took so much time for my request and thus supported me with the application.
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?
I have been a member of the DLRG for many, many years and have been involved there in many ways in swimming training, board work and water rescue service. I have also volunteered to give German lessons at a refugee shelter on a weekly basis.
What has changed in your life/study as a result of the scholarship?
The idealistic support gives you a lot of insight into topics that were not previously covered in your studies. In addition, the financial support is of course also very relieving. Furthermore, through the scholarship I have made friends with people from different parts of Germany, which I hope will continue for many years to come.
What do you dream of professionally, what would you like to achieve later?
I would like to become a teacher in a small elementary school in the countryside and help the school to develop steadily and give all children the opportunity to learn well.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
For me, it means having been given the opportunity to continue my education beyond my studies and to network throughout Germany.
What special offers does your Förderwerk have that you can take advantage of?
The Deutsche Telekom Foundation regularly offers seminars. Current and important topics for the teaching profession are addressed, which in my opinion are neglected during my studies (e.g. body language, digitalization, inclusion). The practical relevance is always clear to see. In addition, you are given the opportunity to exchange ideas in a variety of ways, to get involved and to set up your own workshops or events.
What tips would you give to prospective students and students who are interested in / would like to apply for a scholarship?
Don't be afraid to just try, because after all, you can't lose anything! Often one has the image in front of one's eyes that only those students receive a scholarship who only have A grades or who only live for their studies. From experience I can say that this is not the case. It depends on you, your personality and your intention!