Mirjam Rutten. Photo: Paul Lagro Text: Milou van der Horst
‘I studied Spanish language and literature, mainly just because I liked it. I never really thought about a career because I wanted to be a mother. That didn’t happen because my ideas about parenting changed when my relationship broke up when I was 27: suddenly it felt like a very big responsibility. After that, my working life became a mishmash of different jobs and courses without a clear aim. It all made me into a person who relates to people easily. That contact is the most important part of my work for me, and it’s why I like this job so much. Here at WUR, I work with people from all over the world who come from other cultures and have a very different perspective on life. I find that so inspiring!
All receptionists have to be first-aiders, only I can’t stand the sight of blood
During the lockdown, the reception desk still had to be staffed because our colleagues came to collect equipment like their keyboards and screens. They needed permission from their boss to do that, and we were asked to keep an eye on it. It was strange to see colleagues going off with their things and not to know when you would see them again. On the other hand, the situation created solidarity. I am a sensitive person and I’m very interested in other people; I have some understanding of where behaviour and habits come from. Besides this job, two years ago I started my own practice using Emotional Freedom Techniques, with which I help people let go of negative beliefs, habits, thoughts and emotions. During the lockdown, I was able to help several colleagues from reception, because I saw that they were very anxious and stressed. The technique cleared that up straightaway.
Normally, my main tasks as a receptionist are to greet people and help them find their way around. The work also includes things like reserving meeting rooms and loan bicycles for people, keeping track of lost property, binding theses and registering technical failures – too much to list it all, really. Also, all the receptionists have to be first-aiders, only I can’t stand the sight of blood. That is not so handy, but I can’t help it. There is a very nice atmosphere at the Leeuwenborch, partly because of all the mutual support. We really rely on each other, and we show it. I’ve been working here for four years now and the combination of my own practice and the job at reception is ideal for me. So if it can stay this way for now, I’m perfectly happy.’
