An inspiring evening at the Maschinenhaus of TU Darmstadt on June 4, 2025, showed that big career dreams are achievable even without established educational backgrounds within one's own environment. Professor Bilal Gökce's lecture, „Without Role Models to the Top – How Non-Academic Children Realize Their Dreams”, attracted around 100 enthusiastic guests and delivered a powerful message of self-empowerment. In an atmosphere of confidence and exchange, Professor Gökce explained that success is possible even off the traditional paths. Prof Oliver Gutfleisch introduced the speaker and motivated the evening by pointing out that the permeability in the German school educational system and educational equity need to be improved.

The lecture highlighted the central hurdles often faced by young people of the “First Gen.„ These include the lack of established networks, the absence of role models who have successfully navigated similar educational paths, and often, insufficient support within the complicated education system. Professor Gökce delved into these challenges in detail, offering deep insights into the psychological and practical barriers that need to be overcome. However, he didn't stop at analysis; he presented concrete approaches on how these seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be transformed into opportunities. Numerous tips on building networks and systematically searching for suitable mentors were vividly conveyed. He emphasized that building a personal and professional network is possible even without predetermined paths, and mentors can play a crucial role as guides and door-openers.

A particularly important aspect that Professor Gökce emphasized was the necessity of defining clear personal life goals. He explained how to develop a precise vision for one's future and translate it into concrete steps. This wasn't just about what one wants to achieve, but also why one wants to achieve it, which strengthens intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, he spoke about dealing with setbacks. Instead of being discouraged by them, they should be understood as valuable life experiences. Every perceived misstep holds the chance to learn, adapt, and strengthen one's resilience. This message of positive reframing resonated strongly with the audience and offered an important shift in perspective.

Professor Bilal Gökce is the best proof that his message is more than just theory. Growing up in a socially disadvantaged area in Krefeld as the son of Turkish guest workers, he made the extraordinary leap to the top. Today, he is a recognized physicist and professor of mechanical engineering at Bergische Universität Wuppertal. His personal story, which he shared with great openness and authenticity, ran like a common thread throughout the evening. He showed how important courage is to hold onto one's dreams even against resistance, how crucial perseverance is not to give up even in difficult phases, and how to recognize and seize the right opportunities.

He placed particular emphasis on conveying his message honestly, motivating, and approachably, in order to establish a genuine connection with his audience. The lecture was explicitly aimed at young people, parents, teachers, and all other interested individuals who are passionate about and want to engage with issues of equal opportunity and educational justice. It offered a valuable framework for reflecting on these important societal topics and discussing solutions.

In his lecture, Professor Gökce addressed central questions: How does one find their very own path when they have no direct role models in their own environment? What concrete strategies and mindsets enable one to successfully overcome existing obstacles and turn their often-bold dreams into reality? His stories and examples from his own life were not only inspiring but also tangible and tailored to the listeners' realities.

A highlight that underscored the interactive nature of the evening was the Q&A session at the end. It offered guests the unique opportunity to address their individual concerns directly to Professor Gökce and engage in further discussion. Professor Gökce used this opportunity to delve even deeper into the audience's needs. He not only provided inspiration but also very concrete support and valuable food for thought for their future paths. During the subsequent “get-together„ with cold drinks and pretzels, Professor Gökce took ample time to answer individual questions.

Furthermore, Professor Gökce is active on social media under the name “profinsight," particularly on TikTok and Instagram. With over 10,000 followers on each platform, he reaches and inspires a broad, young target audience there. This demonstrates his commitment to carrying his message beyond university walls and encouraging even more young people to pursue their dreams.

The evening at the Maschinenhaus was a powerful statement: it made clear that one's social or family background does not have to determine one's destiny. With the right attitude, strategic thinking, and the courage to forge one's own path, great career dreams are achievable even without academic role models. An inspiring call to the next generation to fully unleash their potential.

The lecture took place at the invitation of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC)/Transregio (TRR) 270 HoMMage, in which Professor Gökce is involved as a scientist. The event was supported by CRC/TRR 150 and CRC/TRR 361 CREATOR.