Afbeelding
Ever since starting his studies in Economics to finding his job in pensions, everything seemed to be going Jacco Reitsma’s way. Until back in 2008, fate struck and his young daughter died. "My world was turned upside down. I suddenly become much more aware of everything. I started exploring what I really wanted to do with my life? My employer at the time, Achmea, supported me enormously to discover this. Together we explored where my motivation lay".
Turning point
“As a relationship manager I was mainly concerned with numbers, but I soon noticed that my love of words was much greater. I started giving writing courses to colleagues, so that they could turn stuffy pension material into readable texts. From that coaching role I was asked to give guest lessons to students about pensions. I thought that was fantastic. I asked myself: is this where my heart is? At that point I couldn't really put my finger on it. The turning point came a few years later, on an ordinary Friday afternoon. I was feeling very happy and wondered why. Soon I came to the conclusion that during that whole week I had only done things that had given me energy: giving guest lessons at a primary school and in intermediate vocational education (ROC) and giving writing courses. Then I said to myself: "I need to teach. I want to make people more language proficient. I'm going to be a Dutch teacher".
“And suddenly you are standing with 60 expectant faces turned towards you”.
A full class of adolescents
And when Jacco closed the door to the pension world, another door opened for him: that of the classroom. "I had barely studied for a year and then I was invited to work for a school. Of course I wanted to, but I also found it nerve-wracking. Suddenly you're standing in a classroom with sixty faces turned towards you. As a teacher, there is no place to hide. The first year had mixed results. But the contact with pupils and the dynamics in the school made up for everything. I just had a lot to learn. In terms of content, I already had quite a lot of knowledge, but I had no idea how to convey that knowledge. Fortunately, you learn that during the course. The great thing about a part-time study is that you study with people who all want to learn. I was enormously inspired by my lecturers and fellow students. What I learned from them, I was able to put into practice immediately".
Making the most of every moment
"When I started combining studying with teaching, it was all about being proficient with planning. I made sure that I didn't create any delays by keeping up with assignments and exams. And I used every 'free' moment. For example, during my daughter's swimming lessons I took my book with me, since I had three quarters of an hour that I could put to use. I left my phone at home on purpose rather than being tempted to be on social media during that time. I had to practice the discipline that I asked of my pupils myself. I succeeded, because I have graduated and I have been in front of the class for four years.
When in doubt, just do it
"I haven't regretted my choice to go back to school for a single moment. Sometimes you just need a radical change to be yourself. For anyone who is hesitant to go to work and study: Don't be hampered by salary, opinions of others or doubts about your own abilities. Just have a clear goal of where you want to be in mind. For example, I knew quite early on that I wanted to become a teacher in upper years of secondary school. That's why I started the part-time Master's programme in Dutch in September. The Master's programme is a good continuation of the Bachelor's programme, but the pace and the workload are more challenging. Fortunately, I know what I'm doing it for. I want to keep learning. Someday I hope to be in front of the class as a literature teacher".
Are you inspired by Jacco?
Would you like to follow a (part-time) study programme in order to realise your ambitions, but are you still in doubt or would you like to know more? Then sign up for the online Info Evening Work and Study and get tips from Jacco (in Dutch)!