ManuelKrusy

In 2009, a unique opportunity arose for a group of students from our vocational school in Cologne. With a shared passion for language and creativity, we embarked on a journey to participate in the German Languages Competition, organized by the Federal Ministry for Education and Science. Here, I share my personal insights and memorable moments from this remarkable experience.

The German Languages Competition is a renowned event in Germany, offering various categories for young participants to showcase their linguistic prowess. Our journey began in the apprentice team competition category, where students from vocational schools across the country could participate with diverse entries.

Inspiration struck when our team decided to create a self-produced radio play titled "The Story of the Little Mr. Event Technician." We drew inspiration from the beloved children's book "Little Miss Sunshine" by Roger Hargreaves, aiming to craft a story that would captivate young audiences while introducing the world of event technicians in a fun and engaging manner.

Our creative process was a collaborative endeavor. Each of the three team members contributed their work experiences, weaving them into the journey of our endearing character, Mr. Event Technician. After crafting the script, we gathered at my band's rehearsal space, where I had recording equipment, and recorded the entire radio play in one evening. Post-production work, including sound effects and editing, was undertaken by me.

The moment we learned that we had secured second place in the German Languages Competition was met with astonishment and pride. It was not only a recognition of our hard work but also a momentous achievement for our school, marking the first time an entry from our institution had received such an honor.

Our victory led to an invitation to an additional tournament in Heidelberg. The intent behind this event was to celebrate the achievements of all competition winners and to challenge them in a new and fun competition. Teams were randomly mixed, creating a diverse blend of backgrounds and experiences. In our newly formed team, we discovered a wealth of linguistic talents. To showcase this diversity, we collaborated on a short multilingual theater play, combining all our spoken languages into a delightful performance.

Securing the second prize once again, this time for our creative use of multiple languages, was a moment of immense honor and joy. It highlighted the power of language as a bridge that could connect individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The German Languages Competition was more than a series of victories; it was a transformative journey of personal growth. It reinforced the importance of teamwork, creativity, and the power of storytelling. These lessons would go on to shape our future endeavors.

My participation in the competition marked the beginning of my journey into storytelling. The experience of crafting our radio play fueled my passion for storytelling and sound, eventually leading me to choose to study film & sound at the FH Dortmund three years later.

In conclusion, my experience in the German Languages Competition was a testament to the magic of language, the joy of storytelling, and the unexpected victories that come when passion and creativity meet opportunity. It was a journey of discovery, both personally and linguistically, and a reminder that language is a powerful tool that can forge connections and create unforgettable memories.