On Friday, October 23, 2020, the day had finally arrived: 42 excited and motivated first-semester students made their way to the auditorium at Mainz University of Applied Sciences that morning to take their first steps in their studies together. The circumstances were new and unfamiliar for everyone involved: Instead of smiling faces, colorful masks greet you as you enter the building.
Nevertheless, not only the students but also the program directors, Prof. Dr. Thomas Becker and Prof. Dr. Sven Pagel, were glad that the event could take place live and on-site as planned. Until shortly before the event began, this was not 100% certain, so the recommendations from the City of Mainz and the university were checked repeatedly. But in the end, fortunately, it all worked out! After all, in addition to the initial academic information, getting to know one another personally within the class and meeting the university representatives is essential for a good start to one’s studies. This is the fastest way to form a community and build trust, which serves as an important foundation for the semesters to come.
That’s why the focus of Friday morning was clearly on personal interaction: Prof. Dr. Becker and Prof. Dr. Pagel took plenty of time to introduce themselves and the university, explain the various framework conditions, and outline the necessary platforms—and, above all, gave the students space to introduce themselves.
The result: The “Digital Media Semester 1 VZ & dual” group is a diverse mix—some work part-time for a regular employer, others have just graduated from high school, and still others have studied before. This creates plenty of opportunities to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and discuss topics. But one thing is the same for everyone: the immense excitement about starting their studies.
Good luck, perseverance, and above all, have fun!
