Big dreams and clear convictions: a portrait of a BTU graduate

When Nadeem arrived in Germany in 2015, he felt a great sense of relief. Behind him lay months on the run, marked by hardship and responsibility. His mother was injured, and he carried her on his back for long stretches. Together with her and his brother, he reached Munich, and later Eisenhüttenstadt. His first impressions were mixed: a warm welcome here, rejection there. “We made it,” he says, looking back – and by that he means more than just arriving.

The early days are marked by uncertainty and frequent moves. Peitz, Forst, Eisenhüttenstadt – eventually he settles in Cottbus. He is taken by surprise to find that his English is of little help. “That was a shock,” he recalls.  At the same time, this gave him a clear motivation to learn English and build an independent life for himself. Whilst his parents were weighing up whether to stay or return to Syria, he decided to forge his own path here.

And this path led him to the BTU. He had already begun studying architecture in Syria, and he is now continuing his studies in Cottbus. He submitted his bachelor’s thesis as early as 2018, and his degree followed later. He has fond memories of his time at university. “The BTU gave me a university life that I didn’t have in Syria. My period of study was wonderful, and I’m very grateful for that.” The university became a place that opened up many opportunities for him. The Quasimono had a particularly formative influence; he first experienced it as a student and later helped shape it himself. Today, he is actively involved in the association there – his initial fascination has developed into a sense of responsibility.

Professionally, Nadeem has taken a different path. He works as a social worker specialising in migration and has been a city councillor since 2025. His work combines different experiences: analytical thinking from his studies and a deep understanding of social processes. It is his work with people that fulfils him. At the same time, he realises that life in Cottbus is not necessarily easy for everyone. Discrimination and exclusion are part of everyday life for many. That is precisely why he stays – and gets involved.

Cottbus has now become more than just a place to live for him. The city has become part of his own life story. He recalls a night-time dance demonstration shortly after his arrival, and the sense of openness he felt at that moment. “Back then, I saw Cottbus as a city that opens its arms to people, and to students in particular.” That impression has stayed with him to this day. A sense of belonging also arises in everyday moments: “I’ve often cycled along the cycle path from Peitz to Cottbus, watching as the landscape changes, as the former opencast mine transforms into the Baltic Sea. That’s part of my story, too. I feel I belong here. No matter how often people tell me I don’t belong in the history of this country and this city – I definitely belong in the future.”

He has clear ideas about this future, with political engagement right at the top of the list, perhaps at regional or even European level. Alongside his professional ambitions, he knows one thing for certain: he wants to have children and start a family here. Music will certainly be a constant companion, as he is passionate about playing the piano, particularly pieces by Chopin. Another constant on his journey is his life motto: “Dream as big as possible to achieve as much as possible.”

Nadeem Manjouneh has settled in Cottbus; he is very much part of the community.