As a Wupper scholarship holder, you were part of the talent scouting programme at the University of Wuppertal. How exactly did you benefit from it? What did you take away from this time?

It's difficult to go into just one thing, because the programme has so many advantages and I still benefit from it. What I would particularly like to emphasise is the continuous support. To this day, I can turn to my talent scout Milica at any time and confide in her about anything. When problems arise, we look for solutions together and discover new perspectives. In addition, I have always been shown new paths, such as possible careers, without having to ask. I think that's great, because it shows me that people are thinking about me, even if I don't approach my talent scout directly with an issue.

I have also created a wonderful and enriching network. That is one of the most important things for me. I not only got to know the great talent scouts, but also other students. We inspired each other and had great conversations. The friendships still exist today.

In addition to the financial support of the Wupper Scholarship, what benefits have you gained from this programme?

In addition to the formative stories of the other Wupper Scholarship holders, I got to know my strengths better. At the beginning of the Wupper Scholarship programme, there was the "Strengthening strengths" workshop. I particularly remember this workshop because it was amazing for me how different my self-perception was from how others perceived me. The other Wupper scholarship holders had to assess me and, for example, judge which profession would suit me. They came up with professions such as acting - because of my communicative, self-confident and extroverted personality. Personally, I would never have thought of that, so it was surprising and nice at the same time. But it wasn't just the others who had to assess me, I also had to assess myself personally. This workshop taught me more about my strengths.

I also have positive memories of taking part in various excursions and the summer party at the end, where we celebrated the end of the Wupper scholarship. To summarise, I can say that I gained a lot from the non-material support, for which I am still grateful today!

What happened to you after the scholarship? Did you decide to go to university?

Yes! I am studying economics at the university of Wuppertal and am in my sixth semester. Milica helped me a lot with my choice of degree programme, I couldn't decide at first, but I have to say that I made the right choice.

I have continued the success of the Wupper Scholarship in my studies. I've been a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship holder since my first semester, I've taken part in panel discussions and I think it's great that my achievements are recognised. Incidentally, I also found out about the opportunity to apply for a Deutschlandstipendium right after leaving school through the talent scouting programme.

Would you recommend participating in the programme to other students?

Absolutely! It's one of the best things that's ever happened to me! I am still active in the programme as a talent mentor and take part in talent network meetings. Sometimes I also attend events and act as a moderator - for example, at the award ceremony for the Wupper scholarships for the next funding round on 27 June.

But that's not all! The great talent scouts and talented people I met during my time on the programme make this experience unique. That's why I highly recommend taking part in the programme, because: You enrich yourselves! I wouldn't want to miss the talent scouting programme and I am grateful to have taken this opportunity.