I was only 25 when I resigned from my job. For years, I’d not been able to set my own limits and I’d not followed my heart. It led to a depression. I didn’t have any energy, I was tired and I was sombre.️ I was out of balance. While my friends were out having a busy social life, I’d lost my way. Sometimes I felt lonely because the people around me didn’t always understand. Thankfully, I sought help and was able to find my way again. 

Why don’t we talk about it all more often? I used to wonder that before and I still do. As well as being a lecturer, I’m a photographer, and so I decided to take portraits of the students I talked to. Just as they are, and with their true story. I put the portraits together in an exposition ‘The best time of your life’. I think it helps, seeing examples and recognising yourself in others. I hope it will make it easier for us to talk to each other and find help in time. Finding help certainly did me a lot of good at least. And isn’t it great that I can now help others? It’s all come full circle.️” 

Mijke Bos, lecturer for Leisure & Events Management