Education
 
University College, Utrecht, The Netherlands BSc, 2006 - 2009 This Honors College of Utrecht University provided an interesting and alternative gateway into the medical sector with Liberal Arts & Sciences. I was attracted by the variety of courses offered, the international community, and the opportunities provided. Next to compiling my own curriculum of interest (major in Life & Medical Sciences, minor in Psychology), I improved my French, got more knowledge on the practicalities of research and business, and obtained fluency in English writing and speaking. At the end of my first semester, I became Chief of the UCSA Bar, which brought me more independence, responsibility, and fun. I also joined the Asklepian Committee, which aims at organizing activities focused on making topics of health more accessible to the public. After being an Editor for a year, I became the Editor-in-Chief of their health magazine Scope, which has enhanced my organizing skills greatly. Meanwhile, I went on exchange to Australia, which was an amazing experience. My courses at UCU included patient demonstrations, conducting neuroscientific research, setting up a grant application for immunological research, setting up a business plan in biotechnology, and much more. I have done neurolinguistic experiments, explored human anatomy and histology, and conducted chemistry practicals. I have done a leadership training, as well as a medical internship in the St Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein, which allowed me to observe surgeries and assist on the pre-surgical ward, helping me to acquire an understanding of how a hospital works. The summer of my Senior year I spent in Kenya and Tanzania, participating in a development field studies program and an internship addressing health and education in Maasai communities. I graduated from UCU with a cum laude Bachelor of Science degree. Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia Semester Abroad, 2008 As part of my UCU curriculum I participated in an exchange program to Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. This has been a fantastic experience on various levels. I was able to live and learn in another country and culture, take courses that aren’t offered at UCU, make international friends, learn to surf, travel a great continent... It boosted my independence, circle of acquantainces, world knowledge, and experience. Via Macquarie University, I was offered an internship with the Marine Mammal Research Group, contributing to a whale watching research, and did my own literature research on identification of humpback whales. ‘t Atrium, Amersfoort, The Netherlands TVWO & IB, 2000 - 2006 I did not need to take a look at other schools, as I knew instantly that this was the place for me. It welcomed people from all backgrounds, had a nice atmosphere, and offered an interesting study program: TVWO (bilingual VWO). Excursions and activities were broadly focused: biology (Artis), history (Archeological Park Xanten, Germany), culture (theater performances), language (international exchanges), etc. TVWO meant that I followed my classes in English in the first 4 years, after which I continued with IB English. I received several certificates of English, and participated in exchange programs to England and Canada. I also engaged in several drama performances and in a local rowing championship among schools, KRAS. Although I appeared to be good at languages too, my major was in Nature & Health. We had numerous practicals in biology, chemistry and physics, and learned to set up a research. For my final report I did research on the influence of soft drugs on heart rate, which was very interesting and a first step towards application sciences. De Hoeve, Hoevelaken, The Netherlands 1992 - 2000 Jenaplan primary school De Hoeve used a different method than most Dutch schools. It valued personal identity, understanding of cultures, and respect. It is broadly orientated and focuses on experiencing, discovering, and investigating learning material. Not only did I learn a lot here and received a CITO score of 550, their method has also greatly contributed to my personal development: independence, tolerance, creativity, sociality, curiosity, eagerness, and liveliness. I deem education highly important for your personal development and contribution to society. Therefore, I take my schooling seriously and try to get as much out of it as possible. I like taking alternative routes and seek exciting opportunities that make my life less standard and a little more fun.