Why King's?
I came to King's because I wanted to better understand the world and how to contribute to making it a better place. I found just that, and more. There was a shared sense that we were not just there to earn a degree, but to challenge ideas and to make a difference.
What makes King's unique is its ethos. The seminars were not just about absorbing theories but encouraging you to engage critically with the subject matter. I learned to ask tough questions and constantly challenge the status quo.
What's your favorite memory of King's?
That would have to be the coffee runs: the moments when you step out of the library for some fresh air, knowing full well that you haven't made any progress in hours. What seemed like small talk at the coffee machine somehow turned into deep, meaningful conversations. Strangers became friends in the blink of an eye, and those little moments made all the difference.
More than anything, it was the sense of community - the friend who saved you from a dissertation meltdown, the shared struggle to finish a presentation, the silent support in between. I learned as much from my friends and classmates as I did from world-class professors, and that's what makes King's so special.
What's the key lesson you learned at King's?
You don't have to have all the answers to contribute something valuable. In one of my first weeks, I was asked to critique a paper written by a Harvard professor. I remember thinking, ‘Me? Questioning their work with just a high school diploma?’. But that was the point: King's isn’t just about learning from experts, it’s about engaging with ideas, asking questions, and finding your own voice in the process.
Studying International Relations meant grappling with some of the world’s most complex challenges. It’s easy to feel that real change is reserved for people with more experience or authority. King's showed me that people who make a difference aren't necessarily the ones who have all the answers but those who are willing to ask questions.
How did you get involved with Project Access?
I joined Project Access as a mentor in 2021. I grew up in a small town in rural Germany (the kind of place where everyone knows everyone) and studying abroad was not just unusual - it wasn’t even a topic of conversation.
It was overwhelming to figure it all out. I spent months working as a cashier and stocking shelves just to cover application fees, then applied to far too many universities because I had no idea how the system worked. And yet, I realised that I was sitting at the intersection of privilege in so many ways. And if I found it so difficult, how impossible must it be for others?
That's why Project Access is so important. Higher education should be about passion and potential, not privilege. But for so many students, the barriers start long before the application form. Financial worries, lack of information, and self-doubt quietly close doors before they're even opened. With the help of mentors, resources and a strong community, we help students overcome these barriers.
What's been your proudest career moment so far?
Stepping into the role of CEO at Project Access was a defining moment, but the true achievement lies in the collective effort behind our impact. It’s an incredible privilege to work alongside a team whose dedication, creativity, and relentless commitment have made it possible to expand our programs and reach more students worldwide.
But if I had to choose what means most to me, I’d always come back to the mentees. There’s nothing like hearing from a student who has just been accepted to their dream university. The excitement, the disbelief, the ‘wait, this is really happening?’ never gets old. Knowing that you played even the smallest role in their journey is indescribable.
Any advice for alumni pursuing a similar path?
Learn to embrace uncertainty. If you only follow what feels predictable or “safe,” you may miss out on some of the most meaningful opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take a detour and don’t cling too tightly to a rigid plan.
What's next for you?
For now, I'm focused on expanding Project Access. Last year, we supported almost 850 high school students from over 125 countries, but there’s still so much more to do.
I’m still an International Relations student at heart. The topics I’ve studied (from nuclear proliferation to human rights) still pull me in, and I would love to work on these issues in the future.
Wherever my path takes me, I’ll always be part of a team working on something meaningful and impactful.