Maria Ahrnsen worked as a chemical-technical assistant at the universityfor almost 43 years. Now the 66-year-old from Barßel has been given a retirement farewellby her colleagues.
What was it like at the university when you started working there in 1979?
We were initially housed in what was then the G wing near the auditorium, later in the AVZ building, today the buildings are called A1 to A4. The Wechloy site didn't even exist yet, and neither did computers. Everyone still wrote everything by hand.
What are the tasks of a chemical-technical assistant (CTA)?
We make sure that everything that is needed in the laboratories is there. We take care of repairing the equipment, provide all the chemicals and supervise the students in their practical training. We also work in the research lab during lecture-free periods. Many people don't seem to realise that. For example, my GP once asked me whether I even needed a sick note during the lecture-free period. (laughs)
How did you get into chemistry?
My father said to me and my younger sister at the time: "The milk inspector's daughter has become a CTA, so you can do it too." Then we both started our training in Bückeburg.
What interests do you have in your private life that you perhaps have more time for now that you are retired?
I started painting a few years ago. The creative side suits me. I prefer to paint in company and anything that comes to mind: animal pictures, flower pictures, landscapes. I even brought a few pictures to my farewell party.
How do you say goodbye when you've been in the service for more than 40 years?
My colleagues booked a small lecture theatre. My boss, Prof Dr Thomas Müller, and Prof Dr Katharina Al-Shamery gave short speeches and presented me with a large bouquet of flowers. Even my former boss, Dr Anna-Maria Schäfer, who joined the university shortly after me and retired in 2016, came all the way from Düsseldorf! I was given a garden bench, a professional kitchen machine and an apple tree as a farewell gift. So I'll soon be able to sit on the bench in the garden, eat apple pie and watch the tree grow. (laughs) And I was particularly pleased to receive a digital photo frame with pictures from 40 years ago. The day was really nice.
What was the best thing about your job at the university?
That I know everyone who has ever done a doctorate in inorganic chemistry in Oldenburg. I sewed most of the doctoral hats myself. We have a picture with a hat of everyone who has done a doctorate hanging in our Institute. My children once wanted to know when I was going to get one of these hats and a doctorate. I said: doctoral candidates only stay for three to four years, but I stay much longer!
Interview: Sonja Niemann
