WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What’s your name?

Antonia Hemling

How many years did you attend ISHR?

I was at ISHR for two years.

What year did you graduate?

In 2004, I was part of the third batch of IB graduates at ISHR.

What are you up to now?

I work to bring Startups and innovation to Germany, mainly by helping international Startup teams turn academic research and technical expertise into viable business models. There is excellent work being done in this country and around the world by very inspiring people at universities and academic institutions. The challenge is to turn their findings into real solutions and then bring these solutions to the market so society has access to them.

What was your favorite subject at ISHR?

The subjects I found most interesting were History and Economics. I also remember enjoying many of the books we read in German and English class and- although it was not my favourite at the time- I think back to topics we discussed in TOK every once in a while to this day.

In what ways do you feel ISHR prepared you for what came next?

Apart from preparing me for university and teaching me how to speak in public, ISHR was an excellent place to develop real appreciation for different ways of thinking. Being able to give room to an idea that does not immediately seem to make sense and working with people whose viewpoints are radically different are very useful skills to have for anyone interested in innovation.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in adapting to life after ISHR?

An international school education is a privilege and it can come with high expectations. The thought of needing to live up to them was a real concern to me for years after I graduated.

What advice would you give to current students or your former self?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You are not required to accomplish anything exceptional. Do your best and that’s all that is needed to succeed.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ISHR?

When I was at ISHR, it was still a small school but students and staff already represented a very wide range of nationalities. The mix of influences from so many different cultures in one place created an environment that always felt like a little world of its own to me. I remember how much fun it was and how special it felt to be part of such a unique community.