Dear family,

my name is Lisa. I am 26 years old and currently live in a student shared flat in Jena, where I am studying occupational therapy.

I am passionate about unicycling. No matter where I go, my unicycle comes with me ?
I love discovering new places on my unicycle and generally enjoy the feeling of balancing.

As a child, I was determined to learn how to ride a unicycle and kept trying until I succeeded. I am still very ambitious when I truly want something, and I can be remarkably persistent and patient as a result. I find it exciting to discover life hacks that make certain things easier for me, like staying focused or dealing with frustration and criticism, which helps me get closer to my goals.

This is also why I chose to become an occupational therapist. I want to support people in discovering similar life hacks for themselves and share my experiences with them. We are all balancing through life, sometimes things make us wobble or even fall, and then it's about finding balance again and trying to maintain it. I want to help with that.

I really enjoy spending time with children and appreciate their sense of being in the moment. Working with them is always a mutual exchange. I try to make a positive impact on their lives, and they leave a lasting impression on mine. I love the moment when a child starts to open up and explore, revealing their true self, their likes, dislikes, and unique personality. It's when they dare to show who they are, and that's what fascinates me most. I aim to understand each child individually, building a trusting relationship and using their strengths, needs, and desires in occupational therapy.

From an early age, I felt the need to engage socially and contribute to a more inclusive world. At 13, I began volunteering as a young helper in a summer program for younger children, a commitment I continued yearly. I also enjoyed the time spent with my younger sister when she was little, showing her the world and caring for her. Later, I led a soccer club at my school. After graduating, I spent a voluntary social year in a children's home, primarily supporting an eight-year-old boy with autism in the afternoons.I was helping him with his homework, leisure activities after school, and lunch. In the mornings and evenings, I worked mainly with older children (11-16 years), assisting them with daily life, leisure activities, and emotional support. This experience had a profound impact on me, and after it ended, I missed my time there. I then trained as a children's team leader and accompanied a children's holiday camp by the Baltic Sea. During my studies, I started leading groups in a children's and youth circus. I prepare and lead circus sessions for younger children (3-6 years), focusing on supporting them in their first experiences with more complex movements and group interactions, which are playfully embedded in various circus disciplines. Additionally, I lead circus sessions for older children (7-16 years), whom I teach my great passion: unicycling.

Spending time with children gives me energy and a strong sense of purpose.