I grew up...
...in Heiloo, in the Dutch province of North Holland. When I was eighteen years old, I moved to Delft to study Industrial Design. During my college days, I both worked in restaurants and bars. Furthermore I worked as an animator and an illustrator on a freelance basis. My lack of interest in my studies, my poor attention span and the fact that I liked working way better than studying, made me quit my studies after a year and a half.
In the years that followed,...
...I kept working in bars, while focusing on my freelance activities. In 2008, when the financial crisis arose, I realized how vulnerable I was as a freelancer. At the time I was 38 years old, I lost my apartment in the city centre of Delft due to financial difficulties. It was a tremendous setback. In search of greater security, I started looking for a part-time job. Eventually, in 2014, I ended up at X, in a role that suits me well.
I like to be...
...of service by nature. Teachers and students come to me with a question about the equipment or a small problem, which I can often answer or solve. Making sure a band gets a replacement amplifier or fixing a television screen for the salsa association, that kind of stuff. I get a smile and gratitude in return. It makes me feel good.
After all,...
in my opinion it’s the little things in life that make all the difference. When I was around my thirties, I slipped into a depression very badly for three years. With the support of my loved ones, I got back on my feet again. During that time, I learned that you can be important to someone, just by saying something nice or reaching out to him or her, without an ulterior motive. It illustrates my way of being in the world.
