"Volunteering is something I take for granted".

"Everyone can make a difference: That is my conviction. Volunteering is therefore a matter of course for me. I am currently working for AIDS-Hilfe Kassel - among other things, in the anonymous telephone counseling service and in prevention campaigns for schoolchildren. The fact that I can devote myself to these tasks is also thanks to the Deutschlandstipendium. This semester, I am one of 21 students at the University of Kassel who are being supported with a monthly sum of money. Good performance counts in the awarding of the scholarship, which is funded in equal parts by the university and external donors, as does voluntary commitment. This is a great recognition for students who contribute to social projects in their free time.

After graduating from high school in Lüneburg and completing a commercial apprenticeship, I first studied business psychology in Osnabrück, and there, too, I was already one of the Deutschlandstipendi recipients. The financial support gave me the freedom to get involved - at that time, among other things, in the AStA of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and for the integration project Campus without Borders. I am now completing my master's degree in economics, psychology and management at the University of Kassel because I find the interdisciplinary combination of subjects very exciting. At AIDS-Hilfe Kassel, I have also found a meaningful and versatile commitment. Being involved where my help is needed gives me a good feeling.

In addition to monthly financial support, the Deutschlandstipendium offers an attractive supporting program. For example, the scholarship holders have the opportunity to get to know their sponsors - in my case WINGAS GmbH. There are also events such as company tours, to which we are regularly invited. This enables the scholarship holders to make important contacts for their future careers.

What will happen for me after my studies? I don't want to commit myself yet, because a career at university seems just as interesting to me as a job in the private sector. But one thing is already certain: doing volunteer work will always be an important aspect of my life."