Thekla Schild facts for kids
Thekla Schild (born 1890, died 1991) was a German architect. In 1913, she made history by becoming only the second woman in Germany to earn a degree in architecture.
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Early Life and School
Thekla Schild was born in Karlsruhe, Germany. She spent much of her childhood in the Black Forest region. Her father worked there as a surveyor for the government.
When she was 12, Thekla started attending the Girls Grammar School in Karlsruhe. This school was one of the first of its kind in Germany. She loved mathematics and Greek. She also took music lessons at a special music school.
Thekla's parents strongly believed in educating girls. Her mother, who was a teacher and artist, encouraged Thekla's interest in art. Thekla finished high school in 1908.
Choosing Architecture
Almost all the girls in Thekla's graduating class went on to college. Thekla wasn't sure what to study. She first thought about becoming a doctor.
However, her artistic side and love for beauty didn't seem to fit with medical training. Her mother suggested she study architecture instead. Thekla liked the idea of designing buildings. But she wondered if a woman could actually get an architecture degree.
Hermann Billing, a professor of architecture at the University of Karlsruhe, also encouraged her. He believed his students needed artistic skills and to be physically fit.
University Days
With Professor Billing's support, Thekla applied to the University of Karlsruhe. She was accepted, becoming the only woman in her architecture program.
At first, there were some challenges. But soon, her teachers and fellow students accepted her. She even became good friends with some classmates. Thekla took part in social activities, even though some people at the time thought these were not suitable for women.
Sometimes, being the only woman caused funny situations. On a trip to Switzerland, one professor brought a female relative. This was so Thekla wouldn't be the only woman on the excursion.
Studying in Munich
After her first years of study, Thekla went to Munich for a year with some friends. They were excited by the big city and wanted to be independent from their parents. This was an unusual step for a student back then. Her parents agreed, even if they were a bit worried.
In Munich, Thekla enjoyed the lively student life. But she sometimes faced old-fashioned ideas about what women should do. For example, her neighbors were upset when she had a male visitor in her room. In her free time, she loved to ski or climb in the Alps.
Graduation and Legacy
After her year in Munich, Thekla returned to Karlsruhe to finish her degree. She graduated in December 1913. She was one of the top students in her class.
Thekla Schild became the first woman in the Grand Duchy of Baden to earn an engineering degree. She was only the second woman in all of Germany to hold this title.
Thekla wrote down her experiences as an architecture student in her memoirs. These writings have not been published yet.
See also
In Spanish: Thekla Schild para niños
