My name is Nils Christian Redeker and I’m majoring in Chemistry. I was born on May, 28th, 1987 in Giessen, a city in the vicinity of Frankfurt, Germany. At the time both my parents were studying education and social sciences, something that on a “Jacobs scale” would be closely related to ISS. After they graduated (which was when I was turning 1) we moved to my dad's hometown, Bad Hersfeld, a city in the state of Hessen (still rather close to Frankfurt). This is basically where I grew up. You might wonder now whether I actually spent 19 boring years in the same small town. And as you might guess, the answer is no.

Thanks to my parents I have seen many parts of Europe and the USA. If you try to find me during spring break, you better go search in Croatia, Italy or France. Spending fall in Germany? Not with me! I preferred to spend my fall break (something I really miss at Jacobs, by the way)graduation somewhere warm. Turkey or Spain are definitely among my favourite places to go to when Germany is terrorized by heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures. Thanks to my aunt who lives close to New York and also happens to share my family’s passion for traveling, I have escaped the German fall weather to California. For all those that have not been able to go there yet: It’s definitely worth going! From sunny beachside resorts to magnificent forests and mountains, from hotels with view towards Golden Gate bridge to cosy shacks in Yosemite National Park – there is something worthwhile for everyone.

Besides my trip to California my short High School student exchange program in Onalaska, WI, was definitely my most terrific experience in the states. I am perfectly aware of the fact that going to Wisconsin as a German does not appear to be extrordinarily endearing considering the large number of Germans emigrating to Wisconsin, yet, I did not only meet awesome new friends and a caring host family, got to know a different educational system, but also had my senses tuned towards internationality. Besides myself, my High School had many other foreign exchange students.

Ever since going to school abroad I have participated in international exchange programs; for instance, for political debates. And upon arrival at Jacobs University and specifically in Mercator college I found myself in an environment as international and culturally diverse as I could previously only have imagined in my wildest dreams. Living, working and (last but not least) partying with fellow stdavosudents from so many different countries from all over the world has definitely brought about a totally new way of life for me. Especially noteworthy for me is the relaxed and family-like atmosphere in Mercator college. From the college masters to the many helpers in the college office - everyone’s major concern seems to be creating a peaceful and enjoyable college experience. It is also because of this very special environment that I decided to spend another year living in Mercator.

Of course, most of my closest friends also happen to live in Mercator. I enjoy the proximity. In just 2 minutes time one can easily hop over to a good friend’s to enjoy a cup of tea over a nice chit-chat – even with your morning gown on! If it was not for the intense work load, I would enjoy living here even more than I already do. But thanks to the creative Cheer-Ups I usually do not end up being overworked. Taking a break from studying by attending a Cheer-Up has from time to time proved to be the most resourceful measure to pass exams, finish homework assigments and still feel well at once.