Our newest blogger, Sophia, from Munich, Germany is a PPE student currently studying in Italy at the University of Bolzano and our Spring 2021 Semester in Amsterdam Blogger Scholarship winner!
Who Am I?
Hi, my name is Sophia. I am from Munich, Germany and I am currently studying in Italy at the University of Bolzano. I am following a PPE bachelor course and decided to do a study abroad programme as a free mover during this upcoming 4th semester of my studies. I am a daydreamer, night owl, and globetrotter.
This chapter of my life could be titled ‘planlos planted’. Figuratively, it means ‘being planted unsystematically’. ‘Unsystematically’ not as in having no purpose or goals in life, but more in the sense of letting things flow without the aim of controlling them too much or putting them into boxes. Maybe, the best translation would be ‘freely’. And ‘planted’ as a metaphor for the process of growing and blooming with grace wherever life puts me.
Okay, I will stop philosophizing and just tell you some of the milestones of my life. As I said I was born in Munich and spent most of my life there. However, I always had this feeling of wanderlust and when I had the opportunity to go to New Zealand in the 10th grade, I took it without hesitation. Looking back, I think it was one of the best experiences in my life so far. After graduating from high school, I didn’t really know what to do because I have a lot of different interests from music to art to mathematics and physics. But, when I accidentally came upon the PPE programme at my current university, I thought “that’s it!” PPE includes politics, philosophy, and economics, so it covers many of my interests - or at least I don’t feel too encaged ;).
Why VU?
I chose to study at the VU because it offers a very diverse and open-minded environment with very interesting courses to choose from. To be honest, I don’t really remember how I came upon this university, but I imagine I had to study for an exam and started googling universities in Amsterdam as the city has always held a special attraction for me. Basically, this is called procrastinating, but it can have its good sides too. At least, I am super happy and grateful to be able to come to the VU this spring semester.
Where Am I Now?
At the moment I am in Bolzano, Italy. I have lived here for one and a half years. I have really learned to like the town and people a lot. Not only is the Italian food super good, but Bolzano is also located in the middle of the mountains. So, it is a great place to connect to nature and do a lot of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing. I always thought that I am more of a seaside person, but this city has made me fall in love with the mountains as well. Now I am kind of somewhere in between…
This is all for now :). See you at the VU!