"I can make a difference in Görlitz in particular"

Back in 2019, when Aileen Baumgärtner began her Bachelor’s degree in health care management at the Görlitz campus, she never imagined that Görlitz would one day become her home—her true home, complete with that sense of belonging, her own apartment, and her boyfriend. She has just completed her first semester of the master’s program of the same name. “I’ve kind of settled in here. I hadn’t planned on doing the master’s program too—it just sort of developed that way over the years, ” says the 23-year-old. Aileen Baumgärtner is originally from Bautzen, but her life is clearly centered in Görlitz—and she intends for it to stay that way.

Perhaps another reason for pursuing the master’s degree programme is that Aileen Baumgärtner feels a bit cheated out of her time as a Bachelor. “Actually, my entire bachelor’s program took place online because of COVID-19,” she says. And for someone like her—who loves being around people, thrives on interaction, and enjoys group settings—sitting alone at home in front of the computer wasn’t good. “I didn’t get to experience that normal student life everyone was always talking about!” Now she’s pursuing a master’s degree in health care management and is experiencing college life in a whole new way. “Interacting, being present, actually being there”—that’s what she loves, says Aileen Baumgärtner.

Right now, she’s completely absorbed in a project that’s likely scheduled to take place this summer: a mental health day. The goal is to convey health-related information, raise awareness, and highlight health-promoting programs, such as back health and targeted exercise. It’s a topic that Aileen Baumgärtner takes seriously in her personal life as well.

During the pandemic, she found it harder to focus on her coursework. Everything took place online. “I learn more when I’m talking and interacting with others,” she says.

She also volunteers and, alongside her studies, serves as president of the student club. Among other things, she helps organize events both large and small, such as the Vogtshoffestival, which requires half a year of preparation and planning. “It makes me happy when we create great events together and visitors enjoy coming back,” says Aileen Baumgärtner. Her volunteer work also helps her a lot with her studies—especially her experience in project management, coordination, and group work. “For Mental Health Day, for example, I already know how much time to factor in or how to handle things like grant applications.” There are currently ten students in Aileen Baumgärtner’s Master's degree programme. “The degree programmes are meant to stay this small so that the interactive aspect doesn’t fall by the wayside,” she explains. “We depend on each other; teamwork, communications technology—all of that is important for our group dynamics.”

Aileen Baumgärtner lives with her boyfriend; she says she’s now living a real adult life. She has grown both through her studies and her experience in the city. “Görlitz is my home now, ” she says. She used to live in a shared apartment and, at one point, alone in a studio apartment. Now she feels like she’s truly settled in. She’s always earned a little extra on the side to help finance this adult life. She’s currently employed as a student assistant in the university’s public relations department. Together with three other students, she manages the social media channels and contributes her own ideas. “We’re given the freedom and trust to create quality content, ” which she really enjoys, she says.

“Görlitz is often described as a university in the countryside,” says Aileen Baumgärtner. “But it’s a good place to live. Small-town life has its advantages—I walk or bike a lot, so distances are short and I get where I’m going quickly. Whether it’s at the lake, at one of the many cultural events, or in town—I always run into someone I know.” Especially at this small university, she feels supported; the connection with professors is close, the atmosphere is friendly, and everyone knows each other—for Aileen Baumgärtner, these are sufficient reasons to keep choosing Görlitz, her adopted home, and the Master's degree programme in health care management, which is ideal for her.

Text: Sophie Herwig