The proof of the pudding is in the eating!

“What are people supposed to think of you?!” —Most of us have probably heard this statement more than once in our lives.

First things first: It doesn’t matter at all what people think; the only thing that matters is what YOU think of yourself.

You’re allowed to change your mind.

You’re allowed to change your mind.

And you’re allowed to do all of that entirely on your own, just to be happy.

You’re not the same person you were a week, a month, or a year ago. You meet people who have a lasting impact on you, gain experiences, and expand your knowledge in every area of your life—every single day.

Society makes us feel that the only way to be successful is to see through what you’ve started. Dropping out of vocational training or college? That’s not how things are supposed to be. Then you’ve failed, you’ll be ridiculed, and nothing will ever come of you anyway.

Aside from the fact that we’re all already something when we’re born—that you’re already you and have everything you need inside you to be the best version of yourself—all of that is pretty good nonsense!

How is anyone supposed to know right after graduating from high school what’s right for them? The world is your oyster—you have countless possibilities, whether it’s an internship, a voluntary social year, a year as an au pair, an apprenticeship, or a college degree. All these options can make us feel uncertain, which isn’t a bad thing. If you’re also someone who gets really excited easily, you’ll probably find it even harder to decide what you want.

Often, we don’t dare to reconsider our decision, to drop out, to end something, in order to pursue new paths that might lead to greater happiness. The feeling of being a failure begins to take hold within you. You feel less worthy because you identify with your career path—because that’s exactly what society expects of us. But your health—both mental and physical—is the most important thing in your life; stress, pressure, and dissatisfaction make you sick in the long run. Every decision you’ve made and every path you’ve taken enriches you. Don’t see it as a failure, but rather as a way to “get to know yourself better”—to understand your needs, strengths, and passions.

After dropping out of college, I submitted an application for an apprenticeship and was afraid that my decision would come back to haunt me. I even felt a bit ashamed. In the end, I was told that one of the reasons I got the job was precisely because of that experience and my personal growth.
So why don’t we finally change our mindset? Why not see an opportunity in everything instead of focusing on the negative? Why do we belittle ourselves, even though we’re all capable of making a huge difference?

So make the wrong decisions, live your life to the fullest and find something that lights the fire in you, no matter how long it takes!

HSZG offers you exactly these opportunities! To try new things. To discover yourself. To make new decisions. And above all—to grow.

The wide variety of degree programmes and small seminar groups are perfect for exploring areas that spark your interest! By talking with other students about their experiences, you can even switch degree programs while you’re here at this university. Exams can receive recognition, the Student Advisory Service is there to support you with advice and assistance, and fellow students—who’ll become friends—can offer you emotional support!

The best way to learn is by doing—go for it!