WUR President Sjoukje Heimovaara (left) en WUR Rector Magnificus Carolien Kroeze. Another thing that is typical for Wageningen is running into WUR’s bosses on campus. It is helpful to know who they are. Resource interviewed President Sjoukje Heimovaara (the boss of everything) and Rector Magnificus Carolien Kroeze (the research and education boss) about their time as students. And asked them if they have any tips they may wish to share.
Sjoukje Heimovaara, who grew up mainly in Zwolle, began her plant breeding and molecular biology studies in Wageningen in 1983. ‘A fantastic time, I felt free. At the time, there was no campus like the one we now have; the molecular biology department was located on the Dreijen, atop the hill, and plant breeding was located across town. I relished, and still do, the space Wageningen has to offer.’
‘A unique feature of Wageningen is that there are no faculties, so you have the opportunity to design your own programme. I used that to take all sorts of courses after my first year. The molecular side was, at the time, new in the domain of plant breeding, and there was this idea that it would enable us to change the world. We believed that molecular methods would accelerate breeding and allow us to save biodiversity.’
‘I wasn’t a very passionate student, but I cared about the world. However, I have become more idealistic over time. But I was mainly just a student. I was a member of Ceres and enjoyed going to parties with friends. I lived in De Erwt and rowed at Argo for a year. I still know the chorus by heart, haha.’
Quite thrilling
Carolien Kroeze wanted to study veterinary sciences but ended up choosing biology. She calls herself an ‘average’ and ‘well-behaved’ student who considered all the theoretics ‘a little boring’. ‘Until we started doing our own research. I studied the effects of acid rain on plants. Setting up your own experiment and seeing what happens, that feeling of investigating something no one has delved into before… suddenly I knew, this is what I want to do, this is where my future lies. That is also when my grades improved.’
In retrospect, those years flew by
Carolien Kroeze, WUR’s rector
The rector of WUR never joined an association and spent most of her time as a student living in the city centre with eight fellow students. ‘Leaving my parents’ home was a big step for me, but I went with two friends, and we had a really wonderful time. We attended parties till late but still made it to the lectures the next morning because attendance was compulsory. Kroeze held various side jobs. She worked at the PTT (something like today’s Vodafone) customer service and as a cafeteria manager. ‘All things considered, I had a great time, which I enjoyed from start to finish. In retrospect, those years flew by.’
Tips from the top
No worries Heimovaara: ‘Of course, there will be pressure during your studies. But don’t let it get to you, particularly worries about a job in the future. WUR graduates are popular; organisations will be clamouring to hire you.’
AID Kroeze: ‘Whether you continue living with your parents or move out, connect with others. Should you read this before the start of the AID, and if you have doubts about whether to go or not, do not doubt! Come to Wageningen and meet lots of people.’
Drugs Heimovaara: ‘I worry about the increasing use of stimulants among students. You really don’t need drugs to have a good time. And, most importantly, look out for each other.’
Building a resume? Kroeze: ‘I talk to many students. There is this idea that you “must have done everything” during your studies because you can’t once you graduate. Nonsense. You must study, of course, and do things you enjoy. But there is no need to accrue an endless number of credits. There is no need to join a board and travel abroad and have the right side jobs for your resume. Get to know yourself: what do you enjoy, and what fits? Try to discover these things quickly.’
Passionate Kroeze: ‘WUR has many passionate and enthusiastic teachers and study advisors to motivate you. If you are in a crisis of motivation, share your concerns. You are not alone! And, a tip I really shouldn’t be giving: pay close attention to your teachers; it will reveal what is likely to come up in the exams.’
Peer pressure Heimovaara: ‘There is a lot of peer pressure amongst young students. They want to perform well for everyone and everything. Ignoring that feeling is difficult, but I urge you to try anyway. Figure out what you can do, fall and get back up.’
Beyond the books Kroeze: ‘Studying is about more than acquiring knowledge and skills. Your time as a student is also a time of personal growth. We want you to become an independent and critical thinker. That is something you don’t just learn in books. Look beyond your bubble. Wageningen is the perfect spot for you to learn from all the other cultures, perspectives and values in our international community.’
Compact world Heimovaara: ‘I agree with Carolien. Try to find your place in Wageningen as soon as you can. You will feel at home sooner if you build a social network. And the great thing is that Wageningen is both compact and global. You have access to the world from your safe haven. And, you run into familiar faces everywhere. I really loved that as a student.
