Laura Szymczak

Laura Szymczak
“I think if you see an opportunity, you should take it”
Laura Szymczak
Creative Business student

“I’ve always wanted to do something extra. Even at kindergarten I was looking out for more things to do. It’s just how I was brought up. At secondary school, I heard about the Sustainable Development Goals and at some point decided that I was going to make a difference contributing to them. That’s why I got involved with Universities Fighting World Hunger. I became president of the campaign here at NHL Stenden and although it was stressful, I think I helped make a little change, so that makes me happy.” 

“For me, NHL Stenden has brought me more than just being a place to study. I work as an ambassador and for my programme’s student association, talking to new students and hosting webinars and other events. But this work also leads to other opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have. 

I really think that if you see an opportunity, you should take it – and if you don’t see an opportunity, seek one. 

There are so many things you can do, whatever your interests are and whatever kind of person you are, but it’s up to you to follow things up.” 

“I’m passionate about being able to make a change. It’s not about brainwashing people, but if I believe in something, I hope I can change people’s minds to believe in the same thing. If, on the way, they change my way of thinking, then that’s fine too. It’s talking to the people around you, learning from them, that shapes your ideas and perspectives. The people I study and work with help me develop on a personal level. 

They are the ones that help me find myself, that ask me the questions I don’t ask myself. 

And then it doesn’t matter if you make a decision that doesn’t work out. You reflect on it, think about how you would do things next time and learn to live with what has happened. It makes you the person you are and all those doubts help you find out what you really want.” 

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