I feel comfortable precisely when I can feel a healthy amount of tension.

How do I keep on developing? That is a question I ponder on a regular basis. In fact, in my communication studies degree programme, there is a learning pathway in which you get to decide how you want to continue to develop yourself. For each academic year, you can set at least three goals that you want to work on during the year, and then take up activities such as courses and workshops to achieve those goals. That encourages me to reflect on what my goals actually are each year, as well as how to achieve them. Last year, for instance, I took courses in time and stress management, did an illustration and creative writing workshop and continued to delve into the future field of work.

My degree programme is not the only place where I continue to develop myself. Even outside my studies, I try to take a critical look at myself. The world around us is constantly changing and I always want to grow with it. I feel comfortable precisely when I can feel a healthy amount of tension. This lets me know that new learning moments await me. So, I try to grasp all opportunities that come my way with both hands.

Being afraid of something new is thus no excuse for me—often, it actually brings a lot of good things. For that reason, at the end of the day, I always reflect on what the day has brought me and what I would like to take with me into tomorrow.

There are still many areas in which I can grow and develop. Exactly which direction I will take, I dare not say at this stage, but I am determined to take on any challenge that comes my way.