12/2024 Maryam Lashari
Age: 27 | Nationality: Pakistani
What are your favorite spots in Potsdam/ Berlin / surroundings?
In Potsdam, I enjoy the tranquility of Sanssouci Park, where the palace and gardens provide beauty and inspiration. In Berlin, I’m drawn to Tierpark for its natural setting, and Alexanderplatz for its vibrant energy and historical significance. Golm, with its research community and serene surroundings, is another favorite spot, where I can immerse myself in both natural beauty and intellectual inspiration.
Are there places and moments here that give you a sense of belonging? What do you miss from home, and what helps you feel settled here?
My university and the Griebnitzsee campus give me a very homely feeling, especially in the summer. Although summer here is brief, the long days feel refreshing and different from the shorter days back home in Pakistan. I cherish the opportunity to form a few but genuine connections, and moments of empathy from others give me a deep sense of warmth and belonging. While I sometimes miss the closeness of family and familiar traditions, these experiences, along with the welcoming academic community, help me feel settled and connected to my life here.
You are here in Potsdam since 5 years now and achieved so much. How did you feel when you arrived here and what is different now?
My five years in Germany have been transformative. I still remember arriving and crying like a child, overwhelmed by the change. Moving to Berlin gave me room to breathe, but over time, I fell in love with Potsdam. I've learned so much about this new culture, appreciating its rawness and honesty. Initially, I couldn’t imagine staying, and now, I (almost) don’t want to leave. What I cherish most is discovering just how special it is to be ordinary here. I must acknowledge what a great support Welcome Center and International Office at University of Potsdam has been in this regard.
Tell us about your degree program. How did you get interested in your field of study? What are the classes you like most in your program?
I am pursuing a PhD in Political and Social Sciences within the WIPCAD program at the University of Potsdam, initially funded by a DAAD scholarship and later a six-month scholarship from Potsdam Graduate School (PoGS), University of Potsdam where I am currently working as a funding officer as well. Moreover PoGS also funded my particapation in research conferences. My fascination with complex social and political issues drew me to this field, and I especially enjoyed the methods school for its in-depth research training. With my first draft submitted, I look forward to completing this journey soon.
Your classes and PhD work are in English. What about your German skills, and how important was it for you to learn German?
Learning the language has been essential, as it allows me to truly discover and appreciate a new culture and its intricacies. Although German wasn’t required for my studies, I found it vital for learning the new culture. Balancing language learning with my academic workload was challenging, and I probably could nit do full justice to it but I successfully completed my B2 level and aim to finish C1 by the end of February 2025. My time at Volkshochschule Steglitz and Charlottenburg has been incredibly rewarding, giving me a deeper connection to life here in Germany.
How do you keep a good work-life balance? Any advice for your fellow students?
Maintaining a good work-life balance is all about prioritizing quality over quantity—especially in friendships. My advice is to embrace new experiences while staying connected to your roots. Keep an open mind, give things time, and be patient. Prioritizing is essential; while fun matters, studies and work should come first. Good communication with family is also key; having at least one person to confide in, even if it's just by phone, can be a great source of support. For me, that person is often my mother or brother
Your future plans:
My immediate goal is to complete my PhD write-up by the end of February 2025!. Following that, I plan to pursue a research-based position in Germany to continue developing my research skills for a few years. Ultimately, my dream is to secure a postdoctoral position, ideally in the UK or the USA, to further advance in my field. *Fingers crossed*