Apply now! Anna knows why!
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 HSZG? Then take advantage of this opportunity now! The current application period runs until next Sunday, June 19, 2022. You can apply easily and conveniently through the online portal!
Our current Germany Scholarship recipients can attest that the application process is always worth it. How did they first hear about the Germany Scholarship? How did they qualify for it? How does it enrich their daily student life?
Here, Anna Grohmann shares her experiences as a scholarship recipient.
Anna Grohmann is now in her second semester studying applied natural sciences at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. As a first-time college student, she talks about her passion for the natural sciences, caring for her grandmother, and how she’s managing her studies with the help of the Germany Scholarship.
Anna, why did you decide to study applied natural sciences at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences?
My high school chemistry teacher had a huge influence on me. I took advanced chemistry, and I enjoyed it right from the start. I’ve always been passionate about the natural sciences. Then I looked for degree programmes in that field, but didn’t want to commit to a specific major right away. That’s when I came across this degree programme and thought it was actually a good fit because it’s a bit more broad in scope. What I liked most about it was not having to commit to anything too specific just yet.
Other than that, it was just important to me to stay in this area. I’m from not far from here, and I’m not the type of person who’s drawn to big cities. I’m actually very attached to my hometown. I also prefer small, intimate degree programmes.
The Germany Scholarship has been a huge financial relief for you. How did you decide to submit an application, and what do you think convinced them to accept you?
For one thing, the university promoted it actively, and for another, funding my studies was already an issue I’d been thinking about. I think the scholarship is a great opportunity, and I’m very grateful that I was selected. When I look back on my application, I think the fact that my parents didn’t go to college played a role. I’m, so to speak, the “first child in the family to attend college.” Otherwise, my high school graduation exam score probably helped as well. The application also asked about special circumstances in the motivation letter, and the thing is, we’re caring for my grandmother at home, and I’ve been very involved in helping out with that to lighten my mom’s load while I was preparing for my high school graduation exams. Because of my studies, it’s also harder for me to always be there, since I’ve moved farther away. But I still wanted to try to balance everything, so I included that in my letter.
What personal and professional goals would you still like to achieve in the future?
I find the research aspect of the natural sciences particularly interesting. It’s a field where you can always develop something new, learn more, and make progress. It’s good that it helps you grow personally and that you never stay at the same level. I could also imagine pursuing further qualifications after I finish my studies. But I’ll just take it as it comes. After all, I’m just getting started.
How do you envision your future collaboration with your sponsor, GWT-TU Dresden, and to what extent do you think your sponsor can support you in your career?
I’d really love to do an internship in the future, for example, to get a taste of what it’s like and see what kinds of things I could do. By combining research and technology, I believe I can learn a lot in this field. This is especially true because of the interdisciplinary nature of the work—so it’s perhaps not just about what it’s like to pursue a career in research, but also about getting to know all the other possible areas and developing yourself by being exposed to this diversity.
What’s your life like outside of your studies?
I’ve been dancing for twelve years. I take two classes once a week. I started out with children’s dance and early dance education, and eventually got hooked on hip-hop. Four years ago, I also started ballroom dancing on the side. Right at the start of my studies, I also joined the Faculty Student Committee for the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, since I’d like to advocate for students’ interests and enjoy helping to organize events. Otherwise, not much has been going on because of COVID-19, but I often spend my free time with my grandmother and take good care of her. So far, I’ve been going home every weekend. Otherwise, I like to read and meet up with friends when I have time.
The interview was conducted by Louisa Marko.
For the past ten years, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has participated in the Germany Scholarship program.
The scholarship amounts to 300 euros per month. Of this amount, 150 euros are provided by private sponsors such as companies, foundations, alumni, and other private individuals. The remaining 150 euros are provided by the federal government. The Germany Scholarship is paid directly to the recipients by the universities. The funding is awarded regardless of income and can also be received in addition to BAföG (German financial aid for students).
Anyone who is enrolled at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences or is making an application for a place at university is eligible to apply.
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