A new chapter awaits Trinity Kleinschmidt in Europe, where she will begin life beyond school and study further.
The 18-year-old, who matriculated from New Orleans Secondary in 2022, said she can’t wait to hop onto a plane and travel to Germany at the end of February.
“I have family in Germany – my maternal grandmother and an uncle – and they, together with endless support from my mother, have given me the opportunity to thrive in Germany. I believe it is where I belong.”
Last July, Trinity left the country in the middle of her matric year to experience and explore what it is like to live among Germans.
“In those few months I went to see what life would be like living abroad, laying the foundation for when I return there, and I applied to universities and German language schools.”
On her return Trinity was over the moon when she received the news that she had been accepted to study either music or law at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
“I always entertained the thought of studying law, but I have had a singing talent from the age of 4 which I want to use and turn into a career. So the path I am taking is to study music.”
According to Zahn James, Trinity’s mother, her daughter will live with her grandmother, Wilhelmina Barth, in Bad Dürkheim. It is a town where Barth has lived for 35 years. She will spend most of her time during the week in the Netherlands, where the university is located, and spend time with her grandmother over weekends.
Trinity says her family is what motivates her to make a success of this life changing opportunity and move. She is ready to work hard for the future she wants, and give her parents and brothers the life they deserve.
“I feel blessed and extremely excited about studying abroad, and for what my future holds. I look forward to seeing the different beautiful places Germany has to offer. The wonderful people and culture. And best of all, to watch myself spread my wings and become the amazing person I am destined to be.”
Trinity will study for the next four years. She hasn’t made it clear whether she is returning to South Africa. But one thing is for sure – her excitement about making her own mark in the world.
“I want to show many young girls and boys that anything is possible. And once an opportunity arrives to take it with both hands without thinking twice, because a wonderful opportunity such as this may never come again.”
Her mother said she is very happy for her daughter, that she is spreading her wings.
“I only wish my child the best in life. And I support her 100% if she feels that she would like to continue her life overseas. I am proud of the young woman Trinity has become and I believe she will make a success of the opportunity she is given.”
