Just over two years ago, Burak had his back to the wall. Despite his great commitment, his inter-company training as a retail salesman did not result in the full-time job he had hoped for. "It was disappointing. I found myself in an existential situation after the rejection," recalls the then 22-year-old.
Despite all his worries about the future, Burak remained strong and quickly had a new plan in mind: to complete his vocational baccalaureate on the second educational path in order to take off with a higher-level qualification. He chose the Konrad-Klepping-Berufskolleg (KKB), which leads students who have completed vocational training to a university of applied sciences entrance qualification in one year.
Video: My way out of existential worries
It was the right decision for Burak: "The year at KKB was a positive experience for me. I got a good vocational diploma, even though I could hardly study for the exams: I worked part-time in a supermarket alongside my full-time lessons. I often didn't get home until 11 p.m. and then went back to work the next morning." Burak even motivated his fellow students with his hard work and willingness to leave his comfort zone.
"I suddenly wasn't sure whether I would make it. This constant cycle of work and homeschooling really got to me. It was like being in a tunnel."
Technical baccalaureate under pandemic conditions
The coronavirus pandemic almost thwarted the young man's plans in the final few meters, as the state of emergency overshadowed the crucial second semester, including the final exams. "I was suddenly no longer sure whether I would make it. This constant cycle of work and homeschooling really got to me. It was like being in a tunnel." The fact that Burak never lost sight of the light at the end of this tunnel is thanks to the constant support of his parents and uncle as well as TalentScout Eva. "I could always write to her about anything. We spoke regularly and also about my private worries. Eva encouraged me to continue pursuing my dream of a life without existential worries and that's exactly what I did."
Video: Supported by talent scouting
Study: Health and Digitalization at the Bochum University of Applied Sciences for Health
Burak is a person who knows and accepts the ups and downs of life. At the age of 24, he has learned to make the best of challenging circumstances. Since the 2020/21 winter semester, the best has meant that Burak is the first of his family to study. He is enrolled on the Health and Digitalization study program at the Bochum University of Applied Sciences. "If someone had told me five or six years ago that I would one day go to university, I wouldn't have taken them seriously and would have laughed," he says of this achievement. But Burak wouldn't be Burak if he didn't continue along the difficult path: As usual, he works 15-20 hours a week, is pushed to his limits on some days and still perseveres. It pays off: "I passed all the exams in the first two semesters at the first attempt," he says, summing up his first year of study with satisfaction.
"I could always write to her about anything. We spoke regularly and also about my private worries. Eva encouraged me to continue pursuing my dream of a life without existential worries and that's exactly what I did."
The course itself is diverse. The module plan includes medical basics as well as health economics, ethics and modern methods of healthcare communication. Students are prepared to shape the interfaces between doctors, patients and IT specialists. Burak already has an idea of the life that might await him after graduation: "I would like to work in the healthcare sector, preferably for a health insurance company. And I would like to start a family."
Video: Studies and future plans
It is quite possible that he will still have to overcome a few obstacles before then. But that's fine with him. What's more, he hopes that his example can also encourage other young people not to give up during difficult phases. "We should never lose hope. We should look in the mirror and say: I'm worth something and I'll get out of this situation. I want it!"