University students embody EELISA’s DNA. They are diverse, curious and creative. They are the future. So that, they are playing a key role in our Alliance either through their participation in EELISA communities, as participants of activities, as reporters, or as members of the EELISA’s governance structures. This monthly series aims to give visibility to those pioneer students who are building EELISA as well as to acknowledge their efforts and contributions. In this very first article, we will meet “EELISA narrator” Yuliia Labenska (FAU), the representative of students in the EELISA Governing Board, Francesco Serra (SNS), and Sahgahayegh Rahnama (UPM), participant of the EELISA community “EELISA-on-the-move”.
Yuliia Labenska
Hi! I am from a little industrial city in the south of Ukraine. I studied Marketing Management and, after getting my Bachelor’s degree, I decided to move to Germany. I now live in beautiful Nuremberg, where I study International Business Studies at FAU. Beyond studying, I love exploring the German culture, its beautiful architecture and its people, so my plan is to stay here for a couple more years and get some experience working in a big international company. I would like to start my own marketing agency oriented to social impact after that. As a child, I always wanted to save lives by being a doctor… then I realized that I am afraid of blood, so I just re-designed my plan!
How do you think EELISA can impact your life as a student?
I understand this alliance is the source of amazing opportunities. Of course, international mobility is one of the most appealing since it helps not only to broaden one’s horizon but also to obtain new learning experiences, expand your network and improve your international communication skills. But EELISA is not only about mobility, it is also about interaction and collaboration between students and teachers from all around Europe. EELISA is fairly new, however, I have already noticed that my university life is becoming more diverse – I have joined online courses from other EELISA members and worked on assignments in very interdisciplinary and international teams. This is encouraging me to learn more, not only about business, but also about technologies, environment and sustainable development because now I understand better how tighly connected they are.
…and how do you think students like yourself can contribute to EELISA?
I see myself and other students as co-creators of the university’s strategy, so it is very important for us to be heard. For me, it is particularly interesting to share my thoughts about the future development of my university and see them being implemented. This way, students can feel they are part of something bigger and relate better to the university (and therefore promote it). In the case of EELISA, I see students have a special role – some of us are working in teams to spread the word about EELISA among our peers. Another win-win exchange between the alliance and students would be creating a strong EELISA student community. On one side, students can boost their individual skills, and on the other, contribute with their time and ideas to achieving the common goals of the EELISA community.
Your words to describe EELISA
Innovation, improvements, cooperation.
Francesco Serra
Hi! I am PhD student in Physics from Scuola Normale Superiore, in Pisa. I study black hole physics and the fundamental laws of nature. I am very interested in the relations between microscopic and macroscopic aspects of physical systems. Besides studying, I am trying to help as a student representative in EELISA. Where do I see myself in the near future? Probably still following my equations of motion…
How do you think EELISA can impact your life as a student?
To me, it seems there are many opportunities within EELISA. The mobility, the contact and the exchange with people from other universities all across Europe. These can be very valuable experiences. Even more, the theme of solving challenges of the present and of the future of Europe is quite inspiring.
…and how do you think students like yourself can contribute to EELISA?
I think that, as students, we can contribute best by exploring the possibilities that EELISA offers. We can bring in this new “European university” concept our will to grow and to discover. For instance, a student can contribute by taking part in a community and tackling challenging problems of the real world.
Your words to describe EELISA
Education-towards-progress.
Sahgahayegh Rahnama
Hello! I am an Iranian girl and I am studying Logistics at the Technical University of Madrid (UPM). I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. I would love to continue my path in the research field in the future!
How do you think EELISA can impact your life as a student?
I think that EELISA is an opportunity to get in touch with real cases of study, and to identify what the real-world problems are from very different points of view. Meeting students and professors from other countries can help us reach perspectives from all over the world. For me, this is the main thing that can bring all students to EELISA along with the wish of trying to find solutions to those problems.
…and how do you think students like yourself can contribute to EELISA?
Spreading the word about EELISA, its seminars and activities to other students so they can attend and also invite professors from other universities to join.
Your words to describe EELISA
Real-world and mobility.