When I was told I should write a book, I pushed the suggestion aside, with some (false) modesty. What added value do some more words from a random student have? Books are forever, and, in my opinion, there is already so much beautiful unread poetry and prose containing things of much more interest than anything I have to say. Moreover, I have always had a strong opinion on writing a piece or a book:
‘No chance of me ever renting out my words. It is my opinion, my property, and if I say or express something, it should be received with my intended meaning.’
My articles will not relate to eroded discussions.
Meanwhile, I have lost a few years in naivité and gained the same number in age. I realise that wishing your words to always be understood as you intended is not realistic. Worse still, focusing on this issue all the time is tiresome. If people know your intentions are pure, there is nothing to worry about if you are occasionally misinterpreted.
My articles will not focus on eroded discussions, and I have no intention of slinging about words that have been void of meaning for some time now. I prefer to touch on topics less discussed: how students go their own way and are shaped during their six years in Wageningen. On beautiful words I have encountered that are worth sharing. On how your view on “home-home” and your friends there changes. On social conventions and how we adhere to them. On the value of relativity. On the small things that are fun to focus on when you ride the bus. On asymptote vegans. On mental issues and the non-functioning properties of drugs for relationship issues, depressions and migraine. On the things I learn during my Food Technology studies.
In short, I will try to engage the reader in topics that are not all that obvious. Not all that serious, and certainly not condescending. But drawn from a supply of endless enthusiasm.
Oscar Delissen is a third-year bachelor’s student in Food Technology. He enjoys cooking with sharp knives and colourful festival shirts.