A Glimpse into University Life? Levy Schellberg Tells His Story

After summer break, Levy Schellberg will be starting 12th grade at Wilhelmsgymnasium in Kassel. He spent the time before the break doing a two-week internship at the Center for Teacher Education (ZLB) at the University of Kassel. How did he like it?

Levy describes the campus as beautiful. The narrow streets help him find his way around. Although he had been on campus once before, he now knows, for example, where the university library is located.

Why did you decide to do an internship at the University of Kassel?

I wanted to get a feel for university life. It’s the next step after high school, and I’m interested in becoming an elementary school teacher—and in teaching in general. I’m particularly interested in German, physical education, and history. Another clear reason I chose the University of Kassel is that it has a good reputation and is a very large university. I could have done my internship somewhere else, but I specifically chose the University of Kassel.

Over the past few days, you’ve gotten to know various aspects of teacher education. What surprised you, and what stood out to you?

I spent a lot of time at the AVZ, attending lectures on physics, biology, technology, and teaching methodology. I found that very exciting. What was new to me was that the university is spread out across the entire city. There’s a central campus, but also, for example, the engineering programs on Wilhelmshöher Allee and the sports facilities at the Auestadion.

I was particularly impressed by the elementary school workshop. A group of children about to start school was visiting there. Various stations had been set up, and I was able to participate at each one. The goal was to introduce the children to learning through play—for example, through strategy games or using a ball to explain, with the help of light and shadow, how light behaves on Earth.

What do you find particularly exciting about studying to become a teacher or about the profession itself?

The variety. Sharing knowledge. Children are the future, and helping and supporting them is a worthwhile goal. I think it’s also important to be able to put yourself in children’s shoes and adapt to different situations—for example, on field trips or hikes.

What’s next for you?

First, I’ll finish high school, then I’ll travel, and after that, I’ll go to college.

Thank you very much, Levy, for sharing your insights!