Studying as the first in the family – Between searching for meaning and doubts

Studying – is that really something for me? Most of us have certainly asked ourselves this question at least once. Often, family can help answer this question, for example if your father or mother have already studied. But what if you don't know anyone who can share their personal experiences? Working-class students – as first-generation students call themselves – often feel left alone with the decision of whether to study or pursue vocational training. This is also reflected in official statistics. For example, the 2020 Education Report by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft shows that 79% of children of academics with university entrance qualifications take up studies, but only 65% of working-class students. The decision for or against studying, and thus the question of whether years of study make sense or not, is already made for many by their social background.

"More than once, people didn't believe I could manage my studies, because I was held back twice. Perhaps I can motivate a few people who aren't as strong academically and therefore think they can't manage university." – Mercedes, Psychology

But not only is the path into university often difficult for working-class students; during their studies they are repeatedly faced with smaller and larger hurdles: How do I finance my studies? How do I put together my timetable? How do I organise a semester abroad? Working-class students often lack the role models and practical experience from their personal environment that help answer these questions. This can lead to them feeling out of place, since they – at least at first – lack the knowledge of how a university works and how to behave towards professors, for example, which students from academic families (apparently) already possess. All of this can lead to missing opportunities because you might not dare to apply for a scholarship or spend a semester abroad. In extreme cases, studies are even abandoned altogether.

However, if you have successfully overcome the first obstacles, doubts can still plague you further into your studies: Can I manage my studies? Was my degree worth it in the end? What career can I pursue after graduation? Particularly humanities students are certainly familiar with such thoughts, because in these fields of study rarely leads a straight path to a possible career. When transitioning into working life or an academic career, role models in your own environment are also a valuable aid to decision-making.

"During my bachelor's degree, I often asked myself what my studies were actually bringing me. Others also frequently asked 'And what are you going to do with that?'" – Julia, English Studies & European Ethnology

We, the Arbeiterkind group Würzburg, one of approximately 80 local groups of the Arbeiterkind network, want to show that nobody has to face these doubts alone. We support, advise and make our issues public. Once a month we meet (currently of course virtually) to exchange ideas about problems, questions and experiences. Whether it's the BAföG application, a scholarship application or the next step after graduation – you are certainly not the first to face these hurdles. In our newly founded, volunteer team, we want to make it a little easier together to overcome them. We also want to encourage sixth-form students who are considering studying but are still hesitant to make a final decision to take this step. To this end, we are planning (virtual) school talks in the Würzburg area to reach students early on. Please get in touch with us if you would like to get involved with us or would like to take advantage of our support. We look forward to meeting every new face!

Contact:
Email: wuerzburg@arbeiterkind.de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArbeiterkinddeWuerzburg
Instagram: @arbeiterkind_wuerzburg

Janne Lorenzen