Felix Landsman is 22, currently on a master’s programme in Environmental Sciences and tries to make sense of the world and do his part, where possible.
Landsman left his birthplace, Nijmegen, for a bachelor’s degree in International Land Management in Wageningen five years ago. He recently started his master’s in Environmental Sciences. ‘The focus in my bachelor’s was a little too narrow for my liking, and too much in agriculture. This master’s focuses more on systems thinking, the bigger picture and the processes behind issues. I am happy about the switch; I like it a lot.’
Still, he looks back upon his bachelor programme positively. ‘On my Erasmus in Madison, Wisconsin USA, for example, followed by a four-month internship and research on groundwater in Curaçao. These experiences made me more open as a person. It has made me more internationally oriented, and I find it easier to strike up a conversation. So, they have benefited me quite a bit. But it was also all fun and games. I really did not spend my days in the library. It was more about enjoying myself than about studying.’
Getting to the bottom
Landsman tries to make sense of the world. ‘I am a scientist’s son, so I always try to get to the bottom of things. For example, regarding the current climate issues we are facing, what causes it and how we can address them.’ He wants to contribute to possible solutions as well. ‘I joined the demonstrations on the A12 several times. I sympathise with the Extinction Rebellion (XR) ideals, although I wouldn’t go as far as calling myself a member. They are working on interesting things when it comes to taking strides towards a better world.’
The world must be drastically reshaped in a short time span, says Landsman. ‘That is something that I mull over. And that is not always chill, and sometimes you just want to enjoy life and not worry about complex existential issues. Sometimes, I would prefer to have been a football supporter who drinks beer in the afternoon rather than visit an XR-meeting. But once you know what is happening, I feel you can no longer look away idly.’
Ivory tower
Landsman’s first column is about rector magnificus Arthur Mol’s impending departure. ‘In the beginning, I address the fact that his successor will likely be an influential white person with much governance experience and a solid network. In short, not a go-getter. A little less of the ivory tower would be great, in my opinion. At the same time, it is not my intent to merely criticise, so I also express my thanks to Mol and his predecessors.’ Is that typical of the kind of columns we may expect? ‘I am often rather critical, and my pen is sharp. But sometimes I just want to write about funny experiences in student life. There must be room for fun.’
Read Felix Landman’s first column here.
