Shasime

Law student, legal assistant at Kellerhals Carrard, SP candidate for the Bern City Council, co-leader of the association “Critical Lawyers UniBE” (2024)

This testimonial has been translated using AI from the original version, which may slightly alter the wording.

Can you still remember how you decided to pursue higher education in general, and also how you chose a specific field of study? What—or maybe who—was decisive for you?

I didn’t start directly with university studies; instead, I first completed an apprenticeship as a commercial clerk—with the idea that I would then pursue a degree I could finance myself by finding a well-paid part-time job thanks to my vocational training.

I did my apprenticeship at the Federal Office of Police because I was interested in the justice system and law enforcement—and I still am. During my apprenticeship, I was encouraged to stick to my plan of going to university and not to choose a career in the police force.

That desire didn’t come out of nowhere: I had always wanted to study law. It was already written in my diary back in second grade that I wanted to become a judge. That was clear very early on. During my high school years, I tried out law as a subject, but the atmosphere seemed very arrogant and not really pleasant, so I decided to study history and philosophy instead—which, as it turned out, didn’t appeal to me academically.

Then I wanted to go “back to the roots” and gave law another try, this time focusing on international law. I decided to give it a second chance and realized: okay, the subject is amazing, the professor too, and the atmosphere was different this time. Of course, in any program, not everyone will share my political views or match my personality, but in international law my heart and gut said: this is it. So I gathered all my courage and switched from history to law after one year. That decision was absolutely the right one.

You completed an adult high school diploma—can you tell me something about that

The Neufeld Gymnasium offers an adult high school program. First, I want to emphasize that we have an accessible and broad education system that truly opens doors for everyone. I’m very proud of Switzerland for that. There was also the option of the “Passerelle,” which I decided against. Financing was the biggest factor there. The Passerelle would have cost 10,000 francs and taken one year to complete. It would have been faster, but the adult high school diploma was structured over five semesters with a vocational baccalaureate.

I found out about the adult diploma by chance while researching the Passerelle. On the same day, I called the principal and met him on Saturday morning before his geography class. He encouraged me to pursue the adult diploma. I received excellent advice that Saturday morning, and the decision was made immediately. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. By the way, the adult diploma is covered by scholarships, which is good to know and a huge relief for those affected.

Unfortunately, I only learned that later and worked up to 60% alongside my studies. That became a real endurance test: it wasn’t easy to attend classes in the evenings and on Saturdays and still perform mentally. But it enriched me—personally and professionally.

How did you experience the start of your studies and the program itself? How did you feel at the beginning, and how did you manage during your studies?

It was quite different—you’re not really prepared for university, even if you’ve done the Passerelle or an adult diploma while working 60%. University is a whole different level when it comes to workload and discipline. I found the first year very demanding, and it only got tougher. Compared to history, law is a pure performance-based program, the workload is much higher, and the ECTS credit calculation takes on a whole new meaning. I quickly realized I needed a solution because my vision of self-financing, as I had imagined during my apprenticeship, was turning into an illusion. University is not designed for heavy part-time work or part-time study, which is why, on the advice of people who had already received cantonal scholarships, I was encouraged to apply for them myself. Getting those scholarships was a huge relief—I could finally focus 100% on my studies.

You’ve already mentioned financial issues. They influence many aspects, such as educational decisions and the study experience. How was that for you?

My family is a classic working-class family with a migration background. When you grow up in a socioeconomically disadvantaged environment, these questions are always present. Choosing an academic path is unusual—most students have parents who studied and for whom money was never an issue. With my background, the odds were stacked against me.

And then there’s the financial question, which was extremely pressing for me because my family still earns very little—my parents don’t even make the median Swiss income combined. So you’re faced with the question of how to make university possible. A part-time degree wasn’t an option. The only path left was scholarships, and I was advised and strongly encouraged by friends who had them to apply. I struggled with that for a long time because I had to tell myself: I’m living on public funds—tax money is being provided so I can leave my socioeconomic class and pursue this degree. I had to remind myself of my political beliefs and say: this is a social-democratic principle, and I should make use of it, not just fight for it for others.

But the issue comes with a lot of guilt and anxiety about the future. I think if you grow up in a poor household, you’ll face this question your whole life.

How was the topic of university handled within your family? How did you manage family and studies?

My grandfather immigrated to Switzerland in 1979 from what was then Yugoslavia, and my father followed in 1993 at age sixteen. A generation later, one of the children is hopefully going to become a lawyer. It wasn’t easy because I always had to prove myself in a conservative environment—especially as a woman. In my family, it was not expected that women would attend university; that was completely foreign.

So it always required a lot more fighting spirit on my part. And when the financial question comes on top of that, everyone is overwhelmed because they know they can’t help you—they simply can’t support you. I think the longer you study, the more open they become. Today, it’s no longer an issue, and everyone is proud that I can be the first academic in the family—by far.

You’re now in the fifth semester of your law bachelor’s degree. Are you planning your future, or do you let things unfold?

Oh. Well, I do like to plan things. Most of the time, they turn out differently. I think when you plan your studies—not your entire future, but your studies—you just have to be realistic. Build in enough time for studying and learning, and then be honest with yourself. Also, clarify the financial question: for example, do I have enough resources to get through an intense exam period?

I’ll definitely finish my bachelor’s and continue working at the law firm where I’m currently very happy. It’s also good to gain experience in your own field while studying. Whether I’ll start a master’s degree right away or take a semester abroad or a break—I haven’t decided yet. But I think it’s good to complete things step by step and then think about the next move.

And of course, getting my license is the ultimate goal, but that’s still a question for three years from now. There are application deadlines for that too—you have to apply a year in advance for law firms and internships with authorities. Future planning is definitely always present, but I’m sure there will be surprises along the way.

Were there key people who were very important to you?

Yes, actually, there was one key person during my school years: my homeroom teacher in secondary school, Mrs. Dubler—if I may mention her by name. I’m still in touch with her today. She always told me I had academic talent and that she wanted to support me in that. I grew up in Bern-Bethlehem, which is still labeled as a “problem neighborhood.” She gave me special support and encouragement and recommended that I complete the vocational baccalaureate alongside my apprenticeship because I didn’t want to go to a traditional high school.

She was very important because she recognized my academic talent and supported me realistically—not by putting me on a pedestal, but by saying: “Do this, and I believe in you.” She was very honest, and that helped me a lot. She was definitely a key person. Then there were my siblings, who always supported me. I’m the oldest of three children, and they always said: “You’re the one with the academic talent in our family, and you should definitely keep going.”

There were always people who supported me strongly. I would also call my apprenticeship a key moment or phase when I realized I wouldn’t go to police school but would continue working toward a university degree.

I think you always meet people in life who enrich you. My grandmother, who sadly passed away, supported me a lot too. And I was always confident and ambitious enough to know what I wanted to do. Sometimes I met the right people who confirmed my ambition and self-confidence.

What advice do you have for first-generation students?

Be brave. It’s great that you’re the first—it’s not a bad thing. It’s actually a very good thing that there are people in your family who are now going to university. Be brave, but also be aware that you’ll have to put in extra effort. It’s different when your parents didn’t study. You don’t have first-hand information, and no one who can truly relate.

The financial question—please deal with that before starting your studies. Check whether you’re eligible for scholarships, private or public, and whether a part-time job is feasible. This question will be more pressing if you don’t come from a household where you just get 3,000 francs a month as pocket money. You’ll inevitably face this question, and it can be very uncomfortable.

Protect your mental health—address it early. Go to academic counseling. Take it seriously. Exchange ideas with other generations, for example, with more advanced students. Don’t feel bad—be proud of how far you’ve come.

I wish I had known from the start that scholarships exist. It’s really a tough process to apply for them, but don’t give up—you have a right to them. Don’t feel bad—you’ll pay enough taxes later and more than make up for it. In the name of equal opportunity: take those scholarships.

Also, enjoy your studies. And the financial question makes that enjoyment possible because you’ll be less worried than if you still have to deal with that issue. Take advantage of everything you’re entitled to.

Explain to your parents what studying means—it’s a tough job.

And keep your eyes and ears open and build a broad network.