Why did you choose this programme?

“The international and multidisciplinary aspects – by which I mean a perspective that combines law and the social sciences – are what really attracted me. To me, it mattered that this programme gets to grips with today’s major themes and encourages you to think critically about them. I have always been very aware of the world around me and I want my studies to reinforce that.

Of course there are all kinds of international and multidisciplinary studies to choose from, but what made Law in Society stand out for me was the overarching legal perspective.”

What do you think of the programme so far?

“I’m very happy with the way things have been going in my first year. Personally, I enjoy the social science and law courses the most. It’s great to see how much the two sides complement each other. Contact with staff and fellow students is also very good, precisely because it’s such a small-scale programme. This means lecturers are much more approachable, so you never have to think twice about asking questions or entering into a discussion. The atmosphere is great and it’s a very diverse group in terms of international backgrounds.Everyone has their own story to tell. You really learn from each other!”

What do you hope to do after graduation?

“I haven’t quite figured out what I want to do after my studies. The fact that I really like all the subjects I’ve done so far doesn’t help! But I’m sure I want to gain experience abroad. I’m an activist by nature and passionate about human rights. That’s why I chose this programme, to take this to a higher level! Probably in international governance or at the ICC or the UN. But at this stage it’s still very difficult to decide; my interests are so broad. Maybe I’ll end up being a lawyer. One thing I’m sure of is that my ultimate goal is to make a real contribution to society. I want to inspire others, to bring about a positive change in our interconnected world.

Ideally, I’d like to do an internship at a government department here in the Netherlands during my studies, and then go on to do a Master’s. Which Master’s will depend on the next two years of study.”

What do you get up to when you’re not studying?

“Alongside my studies, I play an active role in our faculty association QBDBD as treasurer of the activities committee. I’m also very involved in diversity, which I do as part of VU Family. It’s a recently established organization at the university, and its main goal is to build a community for people from various backgrounds who are not finding it easy to make contact with others in the Netherlands. I recently became vice-president, and it’s a role I really love! For example, as a representative of VU Family, I had the chance to contribute to the university’s statement on racism."