In 1988, Barbara, chairwoman of the Executive Board, graduated from high school. At that point, an adventurous student life began. She first studied in France for a year before starting at the University of Amsterdam. She chose History. After completing her foundation year, she travelled the world for 2 years, where she had countless adventures.
When she continued her studies, she decided to change direction. It became Law and Political Science at the same time. In 1996, she graduated from both studies. For HZ Life, she looks back on a period that felt to her like the world was at her feet: ‘I remember it as a period of enormous freedom.’
How did you make your choice of study?
‘I hesitated an awful lot. A study test showed that I should do Technical Business Administration. I also enrolled in Mining Engineering in Delft. I really couldn't figure it out. Then I fell in love with a boy studying History in Amsterdam. That's where I eventually started too. Yet I found I was more interested in modern times. I chose Law after finishing my propaedeutic year, thinking that I could find a good job there. I just find political science very interesting as a discipline, especially in the international field.
I suffered from a lot of study stress, but I also learned an important lesson: it doesn't really matter which study you choose. During your studies, you always come across interesting subjects where you can put your own accent. There had not been 1 ideal study for me, and I believe that applies to many people. Some people are destined to study Maritime Officer or Nursing, for example, but for many people that specific preference does not apply. Whatever study you do, you can always get valuable experiences from other fields.’
‘I spent a few months picking oranges in Israel and sailing the Red Sea as a crew’
How do you look back on travelling during your study period?
‘I learnt a lot from that. I travelled around the world for two years, partly on my own. In Israel, I was a guest of a Kibbutz. That's a collective community where everything is shared. There I spent a few months picking oranges and grapefruits. I also worked as a crew on a sailing ship, on the Red Sea and near South Africa.
That whole idea of arriving somewhere where you don't know anyone, with little money in your pocket. Then you still have to get by. Funny how many things from that period turned out to be useful later in my career. The money I needed for my trip, I earned alongside my studies in the hospitality industry as a propper. Because of those experiences, I can now easily ask for anything, like sponsoring scholarships for students.
And I also learned that everyone has an interesting story. I used to hitchhike regularly while travelling. Then I would get into the car with someone of whom I thought ‘oh dear, how am I going to get through a few hours with this person?’ Then, in the end, someone like that has a very interesting story.’
What memory has stuck with you most from your student days?
‘What I remember is that we had SO much time. Chatting all night with good friends. Organising a party and decorating the whole house. I remember it as a period of enormous freedom. And that even though I worked pretty hard. I did two studies and I always had a side job. I was a member of the student association and I volunteered for Amnesty. But still, it felt like the whole world was open to me.’
What message would you like to pass on to HZ students?
‘My message for full-time students is: get out of your comfort zone. Try to make the most of the opportunities you get while studying. In my student days, I learnt the most outside my studies. See what is possible at HZ Community, minors or internships abroad. Would you like to do something but it doesn't exist yet? For example, would you like to set up a study association or organize a trip? Then you might qualify for the quality funds. We would love to support your initiatives within HZ.
And just as important: relax. As long as you follow your interests and your heart, you will be fine. I did the same with travelling and the crazy courses I took. It is precisely this that later determined my career. So be kind to yourself. It doesn't all have to be perfect. I look back on my student days with immense pleasure. Mainly because of that sense of freedom. Both within the study to be able to build bridges, and the social outside it. That is what I would like to wish everyone. We have it all ready for you here if you seize the opportunities.’
