I think I would like to interview our chancellor Angela Merkel, not as a politician, but as a person, as a woman, who achieved so much.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I was born in Ukraine. My mom moved with me and my sister to Germany as I was 13. It was a really tough age to move to another country with a different mentality.
But in the end, I am really happy about it since I was able to get a solid education for free, which wouldn't have been possible back in Ukraine. So I was able to study German studies and psychology.
During my masters, I went to Shanghai to teach German to Chinese students and was also working for an American PR, event, and travel agency. I think that my experiences in those three very different countries made me who I am today and are also helping me with my profession.
Being more open-minded and more resistant to upheaval.
2. What is your opinion about press freedom in your country?
I think Germany is one of the countries where press freedom is lived by example. That is one of the reasons I feel really blessed to live in this country. I know there are a lot of journalists around the world who have to live in fear when writing the truth.
3. Who is your favorite journalist and why?
Definitely Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim. I adore her. She is a science journalist, chemist, and author. She has her own YouTube channel, in which she explains not only chemistry and science but also social issues from the scientist's perspective.
What makes it so special is that she is always answering the most obvious questions in a very approachable way. Meaning she makes science and journalism more accessible for young generations.
4. What do you think about the quality of journalism in your country and how can it be improved?
I think as in every other country we have different quality levels of journalism. But I think in general there is a high average level of journalism, which is factual and independent. What we can get better at, I think, is to think more like the recipient.
People in media are so used to certain patterns and it’s easy to stick in it on an everyday basis. So I think sometimes it’s better to step back and take some time to think out of the box.
5. What is your message to all aspiring journalists?
Simply as to every other person. Believe in yourself and go for what you want. But always keep on learning and improving yourself. You won't achieve everything you want immediately, it'll take time. It's a journey, where you'll develop yourself as a person and as a professional.
It's a ladder, not a lift, so get comfortable with the process and enjoy every step. And my message for journalists especially: Never stop asking questions. Be curious, always.
6. If you could interview one famous person, who would that be and why?
OMG, this is a difficult question since there are so many interesting and inspiring people out there. But I think I would like to interview our chancellor Angela Merkel, not as a politician, but as a person, as a woman, who achieved so much.
About her journey, her becoming the most powerful woman in the world. I’ve seen her at an event once, but it wasn't the same as getting to know her really, I mean as a private person.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s such a legendary book. It is so inspiring. It is a story about a journey of following dreams and I think it has a lot of learnings for life. Must read.
Instagram ID - @miss.olgili
Olga Patlan
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