In conversation with Ms. Haeun Joo - April 2023

The former Schloss-Schule pupil was born in Korea and came to Germany at the age of 15. She graduated from high school in 2020 and is studying medicine in Hamburg.

What is the first thing that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of your time at the Schloss-Schule?
The family atmosphere and that I immediately felt very comfortable here.

What stages did you go through at school before Schloss-Schule?
I went to elementary school in Korea, but I was also taught a lot at home. The school system in Korea is very strict. I didn't feel very comfortable there.
I came to Germany when I was 15. First, I went to a language school for two months. Then I stayed with a host family in Nuremberg for six months and attended the public grammar school there. Immediately afterwards, I went to the Schloss-Schule in Kirchberg. I really settled in well here.

What changed for you at the Schloss-Schule?
The mentors at the boarding school helped and supported me a lot. I felt like I was part of a big family! The focus here is on individual development and that helped me a lot. It's very easy to make friends at the Schloss-Schule and overall the interaction with the students is more attentive and approachable.

What did you find formative at the SK? What values, life lessons or other influences have stayed with you to this day?
The way we interact with each other is characterized by openness. People are seen as people!
What I also learned at the Schloss-Schule is that friendships are made regardless of age, culture or origin - that's really nice!

What happened after Schloss-Schule?
After graduating from high school, I went back to Korea for about a year because I had a short waiting period before I was admitted to medical school. Now I'm studying in Hamburg.

What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for all the people I have been able to meet. I learned a lot from the people who were there for me. And without them, many things would not have been possible! We are still in contact. Unfortunately, the distance from Hamburg to Kirchberg is very far, so frequent meetings are not so easy.

Looking back on your school days, what would you do differently today?
Perhaps I would have learned more sometimes.

Would you like to support the school and the current students? If so, what would you like to do?
I would be happy to share my experiences. Listening to the pupils about their wishes and concerns. I would be on hand as a "big sister", so to speak, and would help where I can.

What else would you like to say?
In my opinion, it's good to have a clear goal in mind and then pursue it! Especially at school, it's great how carefree many things are. The trick is to recognize this and have fun with what you do. And what is also very important to me personally is to act
independently and to really understand that everyone is responsible for what they do. And then to really take responsibility for it!