Katja

My name is Katja. Originally, I am from a village around Freiburg and my family still lives there. I have an older sister and a younger brother. When I think of my childhood, there are mostly happy memories. My parents always loved and supported me. They gave me the opportunity to try out different hobbies and always wanted the best for me. For example, in primary school I had difficulties with math and reading but my parents helped me through it and had a lot of patience with me. My family is really important to me; they are a safe place for me. They encourage and yet also challenge me to get out of my comfort zone.

My parents told me about Jesus from the beginning of my life and showed me what a personal relationship with Him could look like. Because my parents told me about Jesus so early, He was always part of my life, and I knew that I could trust Him; He became the foundation of my life. Later, I realized how important that foundation is with all the beautiful but challenging things that life has to offer. Before I came to Freiburg for my studies I didn't know anything about Young Life. One of my fellow students, who is also the team leader of Young Life Freiburg, introduced me to it. I have especially been drawn to the value placed on building strong relationships as a foundation for ministry.

With the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying religious education and deaconry at Protestant University Freiburg. I want to help and inspire people in their lives and in their faith. I want to challenge people to think about God and help them explore who God is. Through the DGL program, I want grow as a Young Life leader and invest in the teenagers around me.