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Please tell us a little about yourself
I am from the Netherlands and I went to WK from 2013 – 2014, for the IB
Diploma Programme.
How did you end up at Waterford?
I applied through the Dutch National Committee NC) and was not
necessarily applying to Eswatini. I was just applying to UWC.
What was the most challenging part of your time at WK?
The hard part was the difference between the idealistic idea of diversity
and the reality. “I realized that diversity is really hard to deal with if you
have friends that think very differently from you; for example, those who think
differently about homosexuality and body image.
What have you been up to post WK?
I went to a University College in Utrecht, right after IB, to pursue a
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Psychology – with an African Studies and
Gender focus. I did some research in East Africa, working with the Masai tribe and studying land rights issues
as well as issues of conflict related to animals.
After graduating in December 2017, I worked with different NGOs and
conducted workshops for the youth. I started working with NGOs during my
undergraduate studies. I have also worked for the Dutch government as a tour
guide in the national parliament. I am currently traveling the world while
working as a senior trainer for UWC short-courses. I am also actively involved
with the Dutch NC giving back to the organization that supported me.
What inspired you to pursue the path you are on and did WK play any
part?
I have always been interested in sexual health, sexual rights and sex
education. During my time at WK, I was a peer supporter and loved working with
youngsters. I truly believe that young people are the change and are still open
to new ideas, learning about each other and themselves.
Do you have any fond memories of Waterford?
I think walking across the field had something special to it. Looking at
the mountains; sitting in a kombi, or a taxi and listening to ‘Swazi beats’ was
just amazing. Generally, the people made the whole experience special.
Who was your WK crush?
I had a lovely boyfriend from Mozambique for 18 months, so I can’t really
say I had a crush.
What’s next?
With everything I have seen – and I am so grateful for all that I have
experienced in my life that – I couldn’t potentially go back to work for a company
and sit behind a desk and get a good paycheck. I truly believe that I should
find a job that gives me fulfillment beyond money.
So I applied to different universities for a Master’s in Anthropology,
focusing on Social Science research. I am specifically interested in sexuality
and social rights. I believe that empowerment of women is specifically
important. I’ve faced my fair share of sexism; it’s quite tough being a young
lady. I think that is really the root of my activism.
