January 2011 | Frankfurt am Main
A scientist and a boxer: telc Ambassador Olivia Luczak
She is a successful scholar and a boxer; friendly, charming and devoid of any celebrity affectation: We’re talking about Olivia Luczak, a graduate engineer in security technology, and a doctoral candidate in traffic technology in the field of civil engineering at the Bergische University Wuppertal.
As the new ambassador for multilingualism and integration, she joins a distinguished line-up that includes former German parliamentary president Rita Süssmuth and national soccer player Cacau. Luczak’s message is directed mainly at young people: "Show courage and hold your head high. Keep going! To really want something and then to persevere, that's what counts."
When asked about language learning and integration within the context of educational policy, she answers in plain language: "Whoever wants to make it in his or her host country must learn the language of its natives."
Born in Schelm near Wuppertal as a child of Polish immigrants, she grew up bilingual. That’s how she became so cosmopolitan and, as a scholar, naturally also has a good command of English. Olivia Luczak is just as proud of Poland as she is of Germany – and a staunch European to boot.
A poster of Olvia Luczak is about to be sent to educational establishments and providers in the fields of sports, politics and society. You too can order one free of charge. Just send an e-mail to Michael Eichhorn.