Jana Gellissen (Jay) (she/they)

Position: 1. Chair

2-Fach Bachelor English Studies & Afrikanistik

Motivation for my Studies:

Learning languages and exploring cultural differences have always fascinated me! Reading classical English literature as well as contemporary works do not only pose a great hobby for me but can also reveal a lot about dominant attitudes and social structures within society. Due to my interest in gaining a deeper understanding for literature, language and social justice issues, my study programmes in their linguistic and socio-cultural focus were a welcomed choice for me. Given the severe lack of an authentic, diversified representation for African countries in western media, I find it all the more intriguing to gain a less generalized impression of the continent’s multifaceted dimensions. Although my future prospects sometimes stress me out, I hope that I will soon be able to find something in the field of interpreting/translation after completing my studies.

Why I joined the Fachschaft: 

The Fachschaft offers the opportunity to get involved for our fellow students while simultaneously gaining practical experience – for me that forms a great balance to the theoretical university routine. The networking opportunities among students and the diverse tasks also motivated me to join. Plus, it’s just fun to work together on projects and actively shape campus life, ensuring that students are represented and also have the possibility to attend events and connect with each other there. And I wanted a Fachschaft hoodie as well. :D

Hannah Niel (she/her)

Position: 2. Chair

2-Fach Bachelor Ethnologie & Sprachen und Kulturen Afrikas

Motivation for my Studies:

I have always been interested in intercultural exchange. In parts due to my own family background and the environment I grew up in, I was always aware of the multitude of peoples’ lived experiences. The older I got, the more I realised how little I actually know. Especially the African continent is still under- and misrepresented so much, that I wanted to learn more not about the continent itself, but how and why our knowledge around it is shaped the way it is.

Why I joined the Fachschaft: 

When I joined it had been inactive for a while. We wanted to create a place for students where they can connect with one another, deepen interests that cannot be covered in our classes, and feel they can turn to when they have questions, doubts, or problems. I love that the Fachschaft is what the students want it to be and can be shaped so directly by us. Students involved can learn and/or sharpen practical skills as well as bring in their own ideas.

Chiara Witry (she/they)

Position: Finances

2-Fach Bachelor Ethnologie & Afrikanistik

Chiara is a multifaceted individual whose journey began in South Korea under challenging circumstances, leading to being adopted in Luxembourg at an early age. Growing up in Europe, has been a continuous navigation of parallel conflicts, revolving around identity, family, and sense of belonging, fuelling a deeply-desired sense for self-discovery. The current B.A. study degree as well as volunteering at The Social Justice Agency allow for a holistic combination of academic research and field experience through the lens of local communities. Chiara believes in the importance of striving to be better each day and channelling love both outwardly and inwardly.

Motivation for my Studies:

Being able to understand the complex layers that constitute our societies: the impact of humans onto society and the impact of society onto humans. Being able to explore the subtle nuances of our world and attempting to understand its complexities was a primary reason to enter the Anthropology field. Due to my personal sentiment for topics such as identity and sense of belonging, my choice for the Anthropology & African Studies degree has been a potential gateway to understanding and finding myself in the process.

Why I joined the Fachschaft: 

I believe that change can and should be affected on various levels, regardless of the scale or size of impact. Being part of an entity within an Institute, that is given a certain agency to transform and improve the circumstances, is an extreme luxury and privilege, I could not not be part of. Communication and interpersonal connections are integral parts of what I believe to be key elements to creating a wider and more accepting society.

Karla Wittstock

Position: Social Media

2- Fach Bachelor Afrikanistik & Archäologie

Karla is a fairly new member of our team: While she can be shy when meeting new people and loves to hide behind a book or quietly draw in class, she does have a big interest in seeing the institute’s community flourish.

Motivation for my Studies:

Coming out of school I was frustrated with how little I’d learned about the so-called global south. When I applied for UC, I noticed that my archaeology degree would also mostly focus on the Mediterranean coasts. In looking for something that would broaden my horizon I found out that African Studies was a thing. Honestly, I just thought the film courses would be fun (which they are) and that I always enjoyed learning new languages. However, I think it's also a great addition to your curriculum if you are interested in Business and Politics given that every course teaches you to switch perspectives and think critically, which in my opinion is such an important skill.

Why I joined the Fachschaft: 

Growing up with a family scattered to the four winds has taught me the importance of friendships and taking good care of the people around me.  With a fast paced and huge campus as ours here in Cologne I found it quite overwhelming to connect. Our time at uni is for many the first time of being on their own and while I believe that to be a wonderfully liberating experience it can at times dip into a sense of loneliness that’s difficult to let go off. So in an effort to help with some of the symptoms of distance from home, family or friends I’d like to take part in building safe spaces for us all to come together and share our interests and feelings, making our thoughts be heard and rant a little. Hiding behind her books led her to co-host the reading circle that starts Wednesday at 4 pm with Hannah Niehl. If you love African literature or if you know nothing about it, come by and check it out!