In short: in this program we invite students to perform a creative, in depth research a self-chosen subject they think is crucial in this day and age, whether it is in their field of study, or somewhere else in society where they see an intriguing development. We challenge them to execute their research using multiple views, angles and techniques and be critical thinkers themselves instead of worrying about the scientific correctness of their project. At the end of their journey they have to share their insights publicly and find an audience to present their own view on the matter. This could just as well be an art installation, a documentary, an essay or an op-ed. Our role is to coach them during their quest and invite them to use a lot of different sources, choose things they are really passionate about or intrigued by and present them in a way that is fitting for both the subject and the impact they want to make while sharing their views - and uses the best of their talents, whether they are designers, journalists, artists or have another skill they can use to present their insights.Of course we let them discuss their own views on developing issues in society amongst each other and take them on the road to meet artists, captains of industry, politicians, elderly people, entrepreneurs, curators, journalists, philosophers etc. to present them with different ways these people look at the world.We aim to show them that there are multiple ways to look at challenges that we face in society - and that the best solutions are often found by people that dare to look beyond their own views and needs and are capable of engaging as much shareholders as possible. Oh, and of course we help them see that is OK to end our minor with more questions than they started with, because wisdom is not only knowing what they do, but also what they don't know.

The Minor Project van je Leven (Project of your life) helps students to achieve their personal ambitions by coaching them to succesfully put in action their own chosen projects. Those can differ from writing a children's book to starting their own company, launching a new product, putting out their own EP to starting their career as a photo/videographer, graphic or web/IT-designer.The way we coach, inspire and measure the progress/competencies of our students focusses on their own ideas, ambitions and personal talents and stimulates responsibility, ownership, entrepreneurship and self awareness. It's inspired by the experiences of alumni of the HU itself, former and recent (student) entrepreneurs and the ideas of a.o. Sir Ken Robinson.

At Hogeschool Utrecht I did not only got my degree in higher education, but it has been for years and still is also my professional playground where I experiment with innovative programs that focus on students ambitions and passion or where I organise events focused on innovation of education, 'bildung', personal growth and 'ideas worth sharing'.At Studium Generale Hogeschool Utrecht I worked on a diverse program of inspirational events (TEDxUtrecht 2012/2014/2016, the Utrecht College Tour, Tegenlicht Meet Ups Utrecht), the annual Teacher of the Year-initiative, programs and debates around topics such as local/national democracy, social innovations and modern social challenges. I also (co-)organised events helping to increase the involvement and awareness of teachers, students and professional perspectives on learning and our vision on higher education. We also developed two complete minor-programs (30 EC) focused on 1) student leadership in youth/students organisations and initiatives & 2) social entrepreneurship and personal leadership.I initiated these events, arranged teams (mostly consisting of lots of motivated student and professional volunteers, since we didn't have the means for more staff) and collaborations inside and outside of Hogeschool Utrecht to increase impact of these initiatives and orchestrated the troops that were working on the diverse and often simultaneously happenings that were included in these initiatives.For my work at Studium Generale (enhancing the connection between society and university) and my involvement on the inclusion of students participation in our institution I was granted the HUgenoten-prize in 2013.

In the minor Leiderschap voor Bestuurlijk Actieve Studenten (Leadership for student board members) students are coached while taking their first steps in governing an student / youth or social organisation/foundation/union/association. We focus on both their personal goals, ambitions and achievements and their growth in their function, role and responsibilities within their organisations. In many cases, both the individual student, their fellow board members and the organisation did benefit from the insights our students gathered while participating in our minor program together with peers from other student organisations.

Together with my fellow adventurists we developed the Bachelor program of the full time study Ecological Pedagogics. Starting with nothing more than brief descriptions of what should become a complete curriculum, we set out to develop this in cooperation with the first batch of students that inhabited the program (and which was thrice the amount we expected before the summer). To top the fun of this already challenging endeavour (which is just what I love to do) ... : during the summer holidays our projected manager injured his back that much, that he was out for six months or so and the first day our team met, a interim manager was installed from within the team, as were all other roles and appointments made. Needless to say, those first 4 years were the best years of the bachelor program to date :-)I focused on youth policy, youth participation, innovating programs and supporting students during their internships and bachelor final theses and end projects. During the course of the years, I became more active outside the curriculum and the bachelor program and focused more and more on programs for students from all bachelor studies.

* License-holder, initiator and leader of the pack in 2015-2016. Responsible for gathering partners, team-captains and curating of the event. Special achievements the amazing team of (professional) volunteers realised during the 2016-edition were a well-received value-driven theme and campaign, sold-out Talentstage in the Ronda of TivoliVredenburg and the Let Go Depot @ Hoog Catharijne, which worked as a physical and live campaign location during the build up of the event. During the main event (with 1200 attendants and 25 speakers/acts in the Grote Zaal and Hertz of TivoliVredenburg) around the central topic of LET('S) GO, we focused on questions about wealth vs. well-being, the balance between work and private life, social entrepreneurship and innovations that benefit a more healthy, happy and cohesive society.

After providing the music at some parties of friends and local student gatherings, I worked for several years as a residence DJ at (what was then still a 'rock cafe') Stairway to Heaven. Although I loved every minute of that, after my work during the day time and as a soccer coach asked for more focus (and more importantly - more sleep), I nowadays only spin at self co-organised dance extravaganza's or on specific requests from friends, relatives and people I feel a musical connection with. Only nights I know both the organiser, their public and I will really love to be at.

In voorjaar van 2016 samen met Heinz Schiller gestart met het initiatief om in Utrecht Tegenlicht Meetups te programmeren waarin met bezoekers en deskundigen de ontwikkelingen uit alle documentaires van VPRO Tegenlicht worden nabesproken. Samenwerking met Bibliotheek Utrecht, HKU en een redactie van vrijwilligers opgezet die tot aan vandaag ontwikkelt en doorloopt.https://www.facebook.com/tegenlichtmeetuputrecht/

Adviseren van bestuur van de NJR bij strategische keuzes op het gebied van maatschappelijke positionering, profilering, organisatie-inrichting en lange termijnbeleid.

With great pleasure I coached, trained and supported the premier women's soccer teams at Odysseus '91 (only one amazing year) and Faja Lobi KDS (for over 10 years - which says all about how much I enjoyed this). In a timeframe where starting out women playing soccer were still considered somewhat abnormal and watching it grow into the fastest growing sport section in the Netherlands, it was fun, challenging and for the greatest part of my time there an incredibly fun way to spent my Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.

Creatief maatschappelijk ondernemer, actief op het terrein van jeugdbeleid en jeugdparticipatie, Europese integratie en hoger onderwijsbeleid.