From Kiel to Salzgitter and about to complete her bachelor’s degree: Merle Gerdawischke is studying media design at the Ostfalia Campus in Salzgitter. In this interview, she talks about her journey to university, formative film projects and how her fellow students and lecturers supported her following her MS diagnosis.
Mandy Fleer, Ostfalia editorial team: Merle, how did you end up at university?
Merle: After finishing secondary school, I did an apprenticeship as a state-certified designer specialising in photography and, at the same time, obtained my university entrance qualification. I knew from an early stage that I wanted to study something to do with design.
So how did you end up at Ostfalia?
Merle: By chance. I’d applied to lots of universities, but only received rejections. My best friend then said: ‘That can’t be the end of it.’ So we sat down and looked again. We then came across Ostfalia – just in time before the deadline for uploading my portfolio. I applied straight away and was accepted.
Were you worried before you started your degree?
Merle: Yes, mainly because I moved 360 kilometres away from home to study. I was homesick and wondered whether I’d be able to fit in. But that feeling soon passed.
Did you face any particular challenges during your time at university?
Merle: Shortly after I started my degree, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I had to go to hospital and was really worried about what would happen next. That makes me all the more grateful for the support I received from my fellow students and lecturers. They all showed me that I didn’t have to cope with this on my own. That helped me a great deal.
How do you manage your condition today?
Merle: Very openly. I’ve learnt to listen to my body and take breaks when I need them. It also helps me to plan things well in advance and not put unnecessary pressure on myself. What’s more, I enjoy my studies so much that they give me energy.
You’ve also made a film about MS. What was that like for you?
Merle: As part of an elective module, I wanted to make a film about MS to explore my own diagnosis in more depth. It was quite challenging at times. But talking to other people living with the condition also showed me how different everyone’s life journeys are and how positively many people look to the future despite their illness.
Do you feel your degree has prepared you well for a career?
Merle: Yes. Through the projects, I’ve realised that I’d like to work behind the camera in the future. It’s great to have the opportunity to work with professional equipment and bring my own ideas to life whilst I’m studying. During my work placement in a camera department, I also realised just how many workflows and basic principles I’d already learnt during my degree.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
Merle: Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves. Nobody has to be able to do everything perfectly straight away. The important thing is to have fun and stay open to new things. And if something doesn’t work out, that’s all part of it. The most important thing is to take something from the experience for yourself.
Would you like to study at Ostfalia too? You can find an overview of all our degree programmes here! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Central Student Advisory Service.