FACULTY OF

COMPUTER SCIENCE

I want to delve into a topic that often lurks in the shadows of success – the journey through failures and the subsequent triumphs here at OvGU. All of us must recognize that failure is not a dead end but a detour on the road to growth and improvement. As an international Alumni student at OvGU, I have faced my fair share of challenges. The academic path is laden with hurdles, and it's not uncommon to find oneself in a state of confusion and overwhelm. It's important to understand that this is normal, and you are not alone in feeling this way. Let me share a bit about my challenges and how they impacted my life and studies. There was a time when I found myself facing a major setback. OvGU, Magdeburg is not my first university in Germany. I switched my university, city, and course from Freie University, Berlin, and additionally dealt with a significant amount of bureaucratic work that was different from my peers.

In addition to this, I only had basic German skills, which added nervousness to dealing with things. Simultaneously, I continuously grappled with homesickness and cultural differences, impacting my well-being. Balancing assimilation with preserving my identity became an intricate dance. This contributed to me failing a course, the very first exam of the first semester. Having always been in the top layer academically, this was a significant blow to my confidence and overall well-being. In the face of this challenge, I made a conscious decision not to let it define me. Instead, I embraced it as an opportunity to learn and improve. The journey to overcome these obstacles was not easy, but it paved the way for my success story. The key was resilience and a willingness to learn from mistakes. I sought support from my family, recognizing that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Seeking support from friends, family, mentors, or counselors is essential. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Learn, recalibrate, and forge ahead. Counseling services at the university are also available for emotional distress. One should nurture a robust support network with their peers. We often overlook the importance of self-care.

Maintaining both a healthy body and mind builds resilience. Engage in social and cultural exchanges, and connect with professors and peers for valuable support. Today, I stand as proof that failures are not the end but stepping stones to success, leading us to become better versions of ourselves. OvGU transcends mere academic learning, it's a space where personal growth blossoms. In my pursuit of self-improvement, I joined the Academic Club, not just to refine myself but to foster social and cultural connections. This also allowed me to support fellow international students facing academic challenges. Within months, I became the student lead—a small achievement that laid the groundwork for my future goals. Following that initial setback, I never encountered course failure again. I excelled in numerous courses and projects with the top grades, completing my thesis.

Graduating with an excellent grade, I was not only recommended for the prestigious DAAD Award but also received it in 2021. Even before donning the graduation cap, I had a couple of job offers awaiting me. So, fellow students, if you find yourself in a moment of confusion or facing a setback, know that it's okay. You are not alone, and this moment is not your destination but a part of your journey. Seek support, embrace the challenge, and trust that success is waiting on the other side. Your time at OvGU is a chapter in a larger story, and every setback is a plot twist that makes the story richer. Here's to embracing failures, learning, and ultimately triumphing over challenges.