“During my bachelor I am already contributing to society”

Lucia goes overseas to protect ocean life with the help of HZ

International Business student Lucia knows what she wants. When she wants something, she does everything in her power to achieve it. First she decided to leave her home country, Slovakia, to study at HZ. Working with real clients during her study; that’s what Lucia wanted. And that’s exactly what she got at HZ. But moving to another country wasn’t enough. She wanted to step out of her comfort zone even more. That’s why she participated in an extra HZ-programme next to her study. With an interest in marine conservation, Lucia travelled to Jamaica to be part of an organisation that protects and restores the ocean. A journey she will never forget and for which she is grateful to HZ. Her message: “Seize all the opportunities HZ offers so you can challenge yourself to become the best you can be!”

Connections all around the world

Lucia found the perfect fit in HZ when she searched for a high-quality school with a practical study programme. Lucia: “Because all the projects have a practical orientation, you learn so much more than learning theory from a book. Don’t get me wrong; we do have theory classes. But the combination of both works for me.” Lucia mentions that what makes it even
better is that most of the practical projects are not fictitious. Lucia: “HZ gives their students the opportunity to carry out projects for companies that have an actual research question. In this way, you already add value to the company as a student! Besides, it’s good for networking.” Speaking of those networks, Lucia was pleasantly surprised by the contacts of HZ. The university of applied sciences has one of the largest international network partners groups of the Netherlands. Lucia: “This opens a lot of doors. If you want to go abroad during your study, you can use HZ’s network and go all around the world.”

Challenge yourself to make a change

Being the motivated student that she is, Lucia decided to follow the Honours Programme. Lucia: “Every HZ student can participate in it. Within this programme you can choose your own project you want to work on, as long as it contributes to a sustainable world. I worked on a project about protecting and restoring the coral reef and ocean life in Jamaica. The ocean is so important, it helps to regulate the climate and reduces climate change.” A subject which isn’t related to her International Business study whatsoever. Lucia grasped onto this possibility: “I saw this project as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge and step out of my comfort zone. I want to push myself. I’m happy that HZ offers this programme for students like myself, who want to do even more alongside their study.”

Teaming up to restore sea life in Jamaica

But why Jamaica? Lucia has read some articles about an organisation that takes action to achieve a healthy and productive ocean. The organisation also works together with the Jamaican community to rebuild the coral reef around the island. Lucia was sold immediately. “I wanted to be a part of this! There aren’t a lot of organisations that involve the inhabitants in such projects. That caught my attention, because I think it’s important to show that not only professional organisations, but individuals can contribute as well to improve our ocean’s health. And I was keen on making a change myself.” With that being said, Lucia packed her bags and flew to Jamaica. It was a once in a lifetime experience for her: “I was introduced to the Jamaican way of living and saw the beautiful nature of the island. I observed how the organisation re-plants the coral reef and learned how they work together with local residents to restore the sea. You don’t need a lot of tools or money to do so, it’s more about collaborating. For example the organisation works closely together with the Jamaican fishermen to restore the fish population. The fishermen don’t fish in certain areas close to the coast.''

In order to make a difference by herself, Lucia participated in the turtle rescue program. Lucia: “I checked the turtle tracks on the beach every morning. And I even helped little baby turtles to get to the sea. An experience I will never forget.” But Lucia wants to do more: “I want to help the organisation promote their work, not only among the Jamaican people, but also among people all around the world. I want to stimulate others to contribute in restoring nature. How exactly, I don’t know yet. But with the support of HZ I am sure I will find a way!”

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