Afbeelding
At the age of seventeen, Danice had no idea what she wanted to study and so she turned to a study coach for guidance. “I was advised to study communications, but I had reservations, wondering whether that direction would really suit me. Still, I brushed them aside and started taking communications classes. I now realise that I always felt deep down that something was not quite right.” It took several jobs on the side and some deep self-examination for Danice to finally discover her passion.
Prison Break
“After I completed the Communications course, I was employed as an intermediary by an employment agency, helping people find work. But people also turned to me when they had a burnout, for example. That social aspect appealed to me, but at the end of the day it’s financial figures that matter for companies like that. I realised I wanted to have a more meaningful career. I asked myself: what appeals to me by nature and what am I good at? I concluded that it was helping people and wanting to understand people better. And I find TV series like Prison Break and Vis à Vis tremendously interesting because they centre on mental disorders and treatment. I decided to follow the Online Open Days to see which study programme ties in with my special interest. When I picked up on the broad-based knowledge that the Social Work study programme has to offer, I knew for sure that it was the course for me; it would enable me to help people who suffer mental health problems."
Flexible and personal
“It's great that the training is so flexible and personal. For example, the course involves various modules in which you can choose which topic dovetails best with your personal goal. I opted for the module that focuses on the different types of people and interviewing skills. This module teaches interviewing techniques for evaluating clients. Another positive aspect is that you learn or do constructive things straight away. I now know, for instance, how to deal with signs of domestic violence and how to report it. It’s also very helpful that you can take time out from your studies when you choose or need to.”
“Helping people to have a better future. To be a safe haven for people who suffer mental health problems. That’s my mission.”
Ambitions
Alongside her studies, Danice does volunteer work at an institution that offers a buddy system for ex-convicts. “When these people re-enter society they are often very isolated from the outside world. I talk with them and see if they are doing okay. That can help to reduce the risk of relapse. I am planning to visit an organisation that works with young people with behavioural problems and young people who cannot live at home. The study programme generates lots of enthusiasm for working in the sector and also helps you find an internship. Ultimately, I would really like to work in a correctional facility. My mission? To help people to have a better future and to be a safe haven for people who suffer mental health problems.”