What do you do at polyspektiv?
I have a very diverse range of tasks. A good mix of preparation, implementation and follow-up of all kinds of projects!
How did you join polyspektiv?
I came to polyspektiv in a fairly traditional way via a job advertisement, although I wasn’t really looking for a job. I’ve been traveling a lot as a freelancer and am also studying again on the side. But then the job advertisement really appealed to me and I applied for it. A week later I had an interview and now I’m here.
What do you enjoy most about polyspektiv?
What I like is the variety, one day sitting together with everyone, brainstorming and developing something, the next day going on a canoe trip along the Spree and then sitting down alone and researching and designing a few things or standing in front of a group and carrying out a project. I’m a person who needs a lot of variety, which I have here and I really like it!
Why are you involved in political education at all?
I became interested early on in how issues of justice and the distribution of resources affect our lives, my individual life and the lives of everyone else. By reflecting on my own privileges and forms of discrimination, I then got into the field of social policy and became more and more interested in how the big picture is connected. Later, I also studied in this field: International Relations with Social Sciences and Gender Studies.
Did you work in this field before?
Yes and no. I did a lot in the area of (federal) voluntary services, where political education is an elementary component, especially in seminar work. It was in these groups that I started to deal with political issues professionally. In this context, I’ve also done a few things privately, such as an international conference where representatives from different countries discussed what global justice could actually look like.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I love being outdoors and spend a lot of time doing sports. I’m also active in the circus and do acrobatics and diabolo. I also play soccer and am currently in a table tennis fever. I also like spending time with friends, traveling and seeing new places, and I’m passionate about gaming.
Can you tell us a bit more about your involvement in the circus?
I work as a freelance trainer in the children’s and youth circus. It’s a nice addition to my work at polyspektiv because it’s a lively way of dealing with people and topics. The circus also offers the wonderful opportunity to appeal to completely different children. I think that’s super important, because otherwise I often feel that many children are left out – especially in the sporting field, there are often exclusions and fears. I’m particularly happy when we can appeal to lots of different children and when they all end up creating something together. The focus is on creating images together and at the same time allowing each individual child to have his or her own moment. At the same time, children can learn the language in greater depth and build bridges. The circus is a community activity that can naturally also promote social integration.