In conversation with Ms. Kristina Safranj - February 2023

The former pupil of Schloss-Schule graduated from Kirchberg around 30 years ago and is a successful artist and singer. Kristina lives with her husband near Heilbronn and travels the world as a singer. She also works as a freelance speaker and accompanies wedding couples as well as funeral ceremonies and creatively organizes other celebrations according to the wishes of her clients.

What is the first thing that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of your time at the Schloss-Schule?
The first thing I remember is that we had school every second Saturday. I was a local pupil at the Schloss-Schule from Year 5 until Year 13, when I graduated. I really enjoyed going to school and always felt comfortable and at home here.

What stages did you go through at school before Schloss-Schule?
Elementary school. For me, the most significant difference here was that the children were seen as a community, but the individual was not perceived as strongly as later at Schloss-Schule.

What changed when you attended the Schloss-Schule?
Most of the teachers were very human and you always felt seen as an individual. What was also really great was that the classes were so small. It was a completely different learning experience and this also gave each individual much more development opportunities.

What did you experience as formative at SK? What values, life lessons or other influences have stayed with you to this day?
What is really characteristic of the Schloss-Schule is the openness to the world that was already lived back then. This taught me early on to look beyond my own nose. And what was also practiced 30 years ago was the topic of sustainability. For example, we went to the forest together and collected garbage.
At the Schloss-Schule, there is a great deal of commitment to getting every single pupil involved. Nobody is left behind.

What happened after Schloss-Schule?
After school, I worked for a year and took some time out. I then started a BA in social education, but I dropped out again. I already felt a strong connection to music back then and that's where I was drawn to. My second attempt was to study education, but I didn't finish that either. The connection to music was simply stronger and I gave in to it and today I am very happy and glad that I followed my instincts.
Today I am a passionate artist and accompany people in different contexts. Music connects people, breaks boundaries and to feel this and be a part of it fulfills me and makes me very happy.

What stories and anecdotes from your time at the school should not be missed?
The stories we heard as local pupils from the boarding school were always exciting. I can't think of any specific ones off the top of my head. But I can definitely say that it was a really great time and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world!

What are you grateful for?
That I'm alive and that I have new opportunities every day and that I can and am allowed to take advantage of them. Then, of course, I'm also very grateful for the music. I love making music and seeing how it connects people. And I am also very grateful that I would describe myself as relatively fearless. That makes me free in my decisions and I'm always happy to try out new things.

Looking back on your time at school, what would you do differently today?
I can't think of anything specific off the top of my head. Perhaps I would prepare a little better and more intensively for my Abitur and not go out partying so much.

Would you like to support the school and the current students in the future? If so, what would you like to do?
I would love to do that and I also have very specific ideas. I would love to offer workshops and topics, make music together and coach those interested in different areas. On the one hand, of course, in the area of singing, but also what lies behind it. There is so much that needs to be considered, even more so today than in the past. The topic of social media, what makes the music industry tick in general, how do I deal with stage fright, how do I present myself, and much more... I would be delighted to support young and interested people in this!

What else would you like to say?
I am very grateful for what was and what is!
And: making music is my personal great happiness!