Maurice Schoo (24), a master’s student of Development and Rural Innovation, paints regularly but also enjoys writing. Columns for Resource, for example.
Schoo was raised in 2e Exloërmond, a small village in Drenthe. He started his life as a student in the northern Netherlands. ‘I studied physics for a year in Groningen, but I didn’t enjoy it very much. So, I switched to WUR.’
Combination
Since then, he obtained his bachelor’s in Plant Sciences and is currently in his second year as a master’s student. He is enthusiastic about the combination of the technical Plant Sciences and more social Development and Rural Innovation. ‘The social aspects of innovation and change really interest me. I want to know whether new developments increase inequality or not.’ He is currently writing his thesis on cultural heritage and natural disasters.
‘I visit sports centre De Bongerd regularly to clear my mind’, Schoo says. He generally follows group training sessions such as Power Dumbbell or HIIT. ‘But to be frank, the type of training doesn’t make that much difference as long as I get moving. Occasionally, I visit the gym, but I haven’t been there for a while now.’ He prefers to go with a friend; exercising alone isn’t as much fun. ‘It is the combination of social and physical activity that I like.’
Creativity
Schoo enjoys writing in his spare time. ‘I was a member of the Plant Sciences study association during my time as a bachelor, and I wrote for the club magazine.’ Meanwhile, he has been writing for Resource as a student editor for a year. He recently published an article with fellow student editor and columnist Felix Landman on WUR’s travel policy.
‘Painting also helps me relax and forget everything. I enjoyed drawing as a child, and currently paint in oils.’ Schoo focuses on reproducing existing paintings. ‘That is something I do for myself, to improve my technique. In other student cities, the university also offers cultural courses such as music and painting. That is something I miss at WUR.’
Read Maurice’s first column here.
