In this interview, the Germany Scholarship holder explains how she combines her studies, family and leisure time as a first-time academic.
Are you interested in a Deutschlandstipendium at the HSZG? Then take your chance now! The current application phase runs until next Sunday, June 19, 2022. You can now apply simply and easily via the online portal!
Our current Germany Scholarship holders know that an application is always worthwhile. How did they find out about the Deutschlandstipendium? How did they qualify for it? How does it enrich their everyday student life?
Here, Anna Grohmann talks about her life as a scholarship holder.
Anna Grohmann is now studying Applied Natural Sciences in her second semester at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. As a first-time student, she talks about her enthusiasm for science, caring for her grandmother and how she is mastering her studies with the help of the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship.
Anna, why did you decide to study Applied Natural Sciences at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences?
My chemistry teacher at school was very influential for me. I was in the advanced chemistry course and I enjoyed it right from the start. I've always been enthusiastic about science. Then I looked for degree courses in this field, but didn't want to commit myself directly to one subject. That's when I came across this degree course and thought it was a good fit because it's a bit broader. What I liked most about it was that I didn't have to commit myself completely.
Apart from that, it was just important to me to stay in the area. I don't come far from here and I'm not someone who is drawn to the big city. I tend to be very attached to home. I also find small, personal courses of study nicer.
The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship was a great financial relief for you. How did you decide to apply and what do you think convinced you?
On the one hand, the university advertised diligently and on the other hand, financing my studies was a topic I was looking into anyway. I think the scholarship is a great opportunity and I am very grateful that I was selected. When I think back to my application, I think the fact that my parents didn't go to university played a role. I am the "first academic child" in the family, so to speak. Apart from that, my A-level grades will also have helped. I was also asked about special circumstances for the letter of motivation and the fact is that we look after my grandma at home and I have also made a lot of effort to relieve my mother of this burden alongside my A-levels. Because of my studies, it's also more difficult to always be there because I've moved further away. But I still wanted to try to juggle everything and that's why I added this to my letter.
What personal and professional goals would you like to achieve in the future?
I find the research aspect of the natural sciences particularly interesting. You can always develop something new, learn something new and make progress. I think it's good that you develop personally and never stop at your own level. I could also imagine gaining further qualifications after my studies. But I'll let that all come to me. After all, I'm only just starting out.
How do you envisage working with your sponsor GWT-TU Dresden in the future and to what extent do you think your sponsor can support you in your career?
I would be very happy to be able to do an internship in the future, for example, to get a taste of what it's like and see what you can do. By combining research and technology, I believe that I can learn a lot in this area. This is mainly due to the interdisciplinary nature of it, so perhaps it's not just about what it's like to go into research, but that you can also get to know all the other possible areas and develop by being offered this diversity.
What is your life like outside of your studies?
I've been dancing for twelve years. I do it once a week in two classes. I started with children's dancing and early dance education and then got stuck with hip-hop at some point. Four years ago, I started couple dancing on the side. Right at the beginning of my studies, I also joined the student council of the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences because I like to stand up for the interests of the students and I enjoy helping to organize events. Apart from that, there wasn't that much going on due to corona, but I often spend my free time with my grandma and look after her a lot. I've also been going home every weekend so far. Otherwise, I like to read and meet friends when I have time.
The interview was conducted by Louisa Marko.
The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has been participating in the Deutschlandstipendien program for ten years.
The scholarship amounts to 300 euros per month. 150 of this is provided by private sponsors such as companies, foundations, alumni and other private individuals. The other 150 euros are provided by the federal government. The Deutschlandstipendium is paid directly to the scholarship holders by the universities. The funding is awarded irrespective of income and can also be received in addition to BAföG.
Anyone who is enrolled at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences or is applying for a study place can apply.
