What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
I am a technically orientated and practical person. That’s also how I was trained. I had to learn to show my softer side and with help of some close friends I managed to do so, but it’s still a work in progress. But you are never too old to learn, are you? Being able to embrace my softer side adds depth to my life and that’s a good thing. I like that.
Knowing yourself now what would you tell your 60-year-old self?
That’s an interesting question. Instead of telling my younger self what to do or not to do in life I need to tell my older self. That means if all goes well I have at least twelve years ahead of me to work towards something. I hope I will be doing just as well as I am now, with still a great life ahead of me. Probably not without some pain or sorrow, which is unavoidable in life, but I hope it will be a great life nonetheless. I would tell my older self that it’s important to set goals, trust my intuition more and that it’s okay to once in a while get out of my comfort zone and ‘stretch’ some more in order to discover exiting new things and grow. I am convinced that this will contribute to the quality of life and that I, with the climbing of the years, can be more proud of myself.
What are you most looking forward to in the next six months?
The holidays, to spend some quality time with family and friends. And to explore some activities in modelling and photography.
Favorite thing to do when no one is around?
I have several things I like doing when I’m alone. I like to experiment in the kitchen and try new recipes, although I’m not a born chef (on the contrary :-). I also like a spa day at home or sometimes I like to watch a movie or read a book.
Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
I was born in 1971 in a family of four. I have one younger brother.
As a child I liked horseback riding. Every spare moment I spent at a riding centre nearby, grooming and riding different horses. Later in life, when I had graduated and had my first job I bought a horse of my own. Overall, I love animals and can’t stand animal cruelty.
People who know me think I am honest, pleasant, warm and loving. But I can also be tenacious and sometimes a bit stubborn.
I like fashion and jewellery and I also like to make a statement with it. Whether it’s about new clothes, designer clothes or vintage ones, I like to mix and match different items into my own style. It makes me feel more confident and it makes me happy, among other things.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Giving birth to my two beautiful children.
What’s on your nightstand?
A marble lamp. I like the way it lights up the bedroom, almost as if it were a candlelight. My mobile phone, which I turn off when I go to sleep, some jewellery on a stand and a book or a magazine, because sometimes I like to read before going to sleep.
What’s your career now?
I was fully trained to be a dental hygienist in Amsterdam. After nearly 14 years of practice I decided to change jobs and became a teacher in vocational education. I educate and train dental assistants, teaching them, among other things, about working with x-ray radiation, infection control and how to assist competently in the profession of dental care. Also, I regularly visit the dental practices where the students do their internships.
I really like my job. Perhaps that’s why after 26 years I am still in it. The interaction with teenagers can sometimes be challenging, but at the same time, it gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Watching these teens become young adults with more self-esteem over the years is most rewarding. Working with youngsters keeps me on my toes and young at heart.
What’s your favourite version of your older self?
A hip, still young at heart, fit, stylish and confident woman who is not afraid of aging , but ages gracefully, and hopefully all of that in good health!
How old are you?
I am 48 years old.
