When Omid Hassanzada arrived in Germany in 2015, he faced not only the challenge of starting a new life in a foreign country, completely on his own, but also of adapting to a new language and culture. His mathematical skills, which helped him to work as a tutor for his refugee classmates at the German secondary school “Mittelschule” were also a decisive factor in him being able to transfer to the German secondary school type “Gymnasium”. This brought him one step closer to his dream of studying at a German university.
Six years later, equipped with the German high school diploma “Abitur” from the Landgraf-Leuchtenberg-Gymnasium and after completing a successful Voluntary Social Year with the AWO-Landesverband Bayern e.V., he began his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the OTH Regensburg in October 2021a decision
that has profoundly shaped his life: The OTH Regensburg has given him the opportunity to advance academically and build both personal and professional relationships.
From the beginning, Omid Hassanzada stood out for his character and remarkable academic achievements. His determination and perseverance are recognized by his professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Dr.-Ing. Johannes Eckstein:
"With his consistently friendly nature, he regularly contributes to the lectures and seminars with questions and comments, showing great interest in the content and thus also prompting potential questions from other students. Particularly noteworthy, given that he is not a native speaker, is his ability to engage with the complex and sometimes abstract subject matter and technical terminology of energy engineering in a very reflective and goal-oriented manner, never being deterred from his path even in the face of challenges."
Omid Hassanzada impresses not only his fellow students but also the faculty at the OTH Regensburg with his academic achievements, social skills, and dedication. He is especially committed to the social integration of refugee and international students. As head of the university group CampusAsyl e.V., he organizes language exchange partnerships and promotes mutual understanding between different cultures. His own story makes him a unique source of inspiration, as highlighted by Prof. Dr. Oliver Steffens Vice President for Research and International Affairs:
"Omid Hassanzada has impressed us because, since his flight from the Taliban in Afghanistan, not only has he been successful at school and university in Germany but he has also been socially committed for many years and wants to give something back to society—he is a role model for the students and for all of us."
This award reflects his extraordinary academic and social achievements and is a testament to his tireless dedication. He hasn’t been able to see his parents for two and a half years, but when he received the news about winning the award, they were the first he told.
“They were very happy and are very proud of me, which strengthens me on my path.”
Omid Hassanzada is very grateful for the opportunity to live and study in Germany and deeply values the "adopted culture" he has embraced. For him, Article 1 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany holds special significance: "Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority."
For the future, Omid Hassanzada continues to envision himself as a builder of bridges between cultures and a pioneer for open and inclusive communities—a vision he lives and fulfils with every new challenge. His biggest goal is to pursue a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering after having completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering. Furthermore, he wishes to stay in Germany long-term in order to remain a part of the society he values so highly
The OTH Regensburg is proud to have such an outstanding student with his many remarkable qualities and wishes him all the best for the completion of his studies and his future.
