Mandy Sterz manages the front office of the BTU President.

"Before the Corona pandemic, home office was out of the question for me and my daily work. But the pandemic showed that it is quite possible to do many of my tasks at home. However, I am concerned about the shifting of the balance and boundary between work and private life when working permanently in a home office.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, most of the meetings at the Presidium took place online and we had very few personal contacts and guests. Unfortunately, the campus is also very empty. I really miss the lively and vibrant hustle and bustle that makes up a university. The view from my office of the forum at the central campus will hopefully soon be filled with life and laughter again.

The biggest challenge for me at the moment is to accept that the past two years have done a lot to all of us and that we will certainly live differently in the future. I recharge my batteries by spending time with my family and friends, going for walks in the Spreewald, having coffee on our terrace and talking to my little daughter. She always shows me how simple life can be and how carefree one can laugh. For the current year, I wish us all peace and health. And for my daughter a happy start to school in the summer."