When I obtained my high school degree, I had big plans for the world. I was going to study at the University College Maastricht and envisioned a future in the European Union of United Nations. After two months, I was sick of the competitive atmosphere and ambitious students. I felt as if the political game of power, money and self-interest had already begun. Disappointment mixed with youthful disdain: was this what the world would be like from this point forward?
The following year, I sought a solution in peaceful Wageningen, where I started student life anew, with considerably lower expectations. But, while I had previously felt pressured into fitting in with the system of networking, which catapults career go-getters to top-positions in the most remarkable ways, I felt liberated in Wageningen.
After two months, I was sick of the competitive atmosphere and ambitious students.
Our city is small, cosy, village-like and a place where everyone knows your name. Above all, Wageningen is more open-minded than any other student city in the Netherlands. The term may have eroded through over-use by the hip Dutch. Still, Wageningen is not open-minded as a matter of trendiness. Wageningen’s open-mindedness is sincere. In Wageningen, there is no need to be someone or fit in, in fact, being different is encouraged.
Wageningen doesn’t care for the systems that shaped my view of the big wide world at the University College Maastricht. Wageningen’s ambitions are not found within the system but are to test the system. Wageningen dares wonder why humankind inhabits the earth and answers this question in its mission: ‘for quality of life’. To that end, freedom is much more important than any amount of power, wealth and consumption. In free Wageningen, there is consensus in addressing problems such as the climate and food issues. And in improving the quality of life for plants, animals and humans.
Wageningen dares wonder why humankind inhabits the earth
This like-mindedness is lovely, and comfortable to live with—however, its vanishes the minute you take bus 88 into the wide world. Still, Wageningen ambitions gain popularity in more and more places. Our little city of just forty thousand inhabitants generates knowledge that will be ever-more relevant to the world. Thus, Wageningen is a hub for the future. A village with global ambitions.
I thank Wageningen for the lessons it taught me about myself and the world. Since the city stole my heart, I feel obligated to take a small part of the free, ambitious Wageningen with me. Thank you, Wageningen.
Blogger Geert van Zandbrink started writing for Resource in 2018. He has since obtained his Bachelor’s in Economy and Governancein Wageningen. He is getting ready to enrol at the UvA, where he will study philosophy and classical languages. After some fifty blogs, this is his final one.
The Resource editorial board thanks Geert for his enthusiastic contributions, and the eloquent manner in which he allowed the readers to partake in his student life in Wageningen. We wish him all the best in Amsterdam!