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JUST NEVER SAY »I LOVE YOU« Fourteen rules to enjoy your sex life in a proper way as a single DEADLY MEDICINE How the pharma industry is abusing people in India for medical tests EHM, SORRY! Lied? Slandered? Cheated on somebody? What to do after you really messed it up NEW CITY, NEW LUCK How life changes if you finally decide to move to your favourite city
How to find what fits to you? We have talked with three people about how they are trying to find their way in life
INTERVIEW
Dave Brown, 22, did
not want to search for
»If you are happy, it doesn't matter what society thinks«
criminal's excuses
Some feel stuck and don‘t enjoy what they do.
How to find the right choice for us and which direction we could go in life? We asked three people how they are trying to find their way.
Interview and photography ANDREAS MÜLLER
DAVE BROWN FROM PORTSMOUTH, UK
Why did you start studying criminology? I was interested in why people committed crimes. I wanted to learn what led to them doing it then to help stop them doing it. Why did you quit? There are some criminals who have a quite good life in jail and enjoy that they get food
every day, that they get TV and that they
stuff they want to do, like going to the cinema or going bowling. I like working
with people when I feel I can help and make life better.
Did you already know that you want to work as a care worker while studying criminology or when and how did you realize that you
do not have to worry about paying their
prefer working as a care worker?
another person. Life is quite easy for them.
worker while studying criminology. First I
bills, although they have killed or raped
I never thought I wanted to work as a care
Thus I do not think it is a system, which
thought I am just going to try out this job,
helps people with criminal energy not
committing crimes. By studying criminology instead of stopping crimes, I felt like I
was searching for criminal´s excuses. And I definitely don't want to help those kind of people, nor be involved in such a system.
How did you feel after you realized that criminology is not what you want to do? Initially I was a bit uncertain. I really
thought it was what I wanted to do. When
I realized it's not, I had a mixture of feelings. On the one hand I was worried about
what should come next. On the other hand
because I am getting paid well and because it's an easy job. But then I enjoyed it so
much, that I wanted to carry on. Although
I think it's a really nice job and I love to work and help people, I think I don't want
to do it forever. Where I am now there is no opportunity for earning more money and
getting a higher position. As I am only 22, I want to reach more so I am probably going
to do a nursing degree. That's the same sort of work, but more responsibility, more opportunity and more money.
If you could go back in time, what would you
I was excited to have the opportunity to
do different after leaving college?
walk away from something I didn't really
to university straight away. I would have
find something new. Knowing that I could
I think after college I would not have gone
enjoy meant, I felt relieved.
had some time off, maybe work a bit or
What are you doing now? Now I work as a care worker. I look after
people, spend time with them and make sure they get to enjoy things they couldn't
64
do otherwise. Helping them out, doing
even travel to find out what I enjoy doing. I think it's good to have some time for ori-
entation. Nevertheless, I am glad that I did what I did, because it has led me
›
65
INTERVIEW
Dave Brown, 22, did
not want to search for
»If you are happy, it doesn't matter what society thinks«
criminal's excuses
Some feel stuck and don‘t enjoy what they do.
How to find the right choice for us and which direction we could go in life? We asked three people how they are trying to find their way.
Interview and photography ANDREAS MÜLLER
DAVE BROWN FROM PORTSMOUTH, UK
Why did you start studying criminology? I was interested in why people committed crimes. I wanted to learn what led to them doing it then to help stop them doing it. Why did you quit? There are some criminals who have a quite good life in jail and enjoy that they get food
every day, that they get TV and that they
stuff they want to do, like going to the cinema or going bowling. I like working
with people when I feel I can help and make life better.
Did you already know that you want to work as a care worker while studying criminology or when and how did you realize that you
do not have to worry about paying their
prefer working as a care worker?
another person. Life is quite easy for them.
worker while studying criminology. First I
bills, although they have killed or raped
I never thought I wanted to work as a care
Thus I do not think it is a system, which
thought I am just going to try out this job,
helps people with criminal energy not
committing crimes. By studying criminology instead of stopping crimes, I felt like I
was searching for criminal´s excuses. And I definitely don't want to help those kind of people, nor be involved in such a system.
How did you feel after you realized that criminology is not what you want to do? Initially I was a bit uncertain. I really
thought it was what I wanted to do. When
I realized it's not, I had a mixture of feelings. On the one hand I was worried about
what should come next. On the other hand
because I am getting paid well and because it's an easy job. But then I enjoyed it so
much, that I wanted to carry on. Although
I think it's a really nice job and I love to work and help people, I think I don't want
to do it forever. Where I am now there is no opportunity for earning more money and
getting a higher position. As I am only 22, I want to reach more so I am probably going
to do a nursing degree. That's the same sort of work, but more responsibility, more opportunity and more money.
If you could go back in time, what would you
I was excited to have the opportunity to
do different after leaving college?
walk away from something I didn't really
to university straight away. I would have
find something new. Knowing that I could
I think after college I would not have gone
enjoy meant, I felt relieved.
had some time off, maybe work a bit or
What are you doing now? Now I work as a care worker. I look after
people, spend time with them and make sure they get to enjoy things they couldn't
64
do otherwise. Helping them out, doing
even travel to find out what I enjoy doing. I think it's good to have some time for ori-
entation. Nevertheless, I am glad that I did what I did, because it has led me
›
65
to where I am now. Although I don't have
I enjoy my life and enjoy what I am doing.
found out what I am good at and what I
Trying different things out to have an idea
How was it for you to admit to yourself and
know that I love to help other people, so
any degree, I am happy now, because I enjoy doing.
to people around you that you don't want to continue at university any longer? I think it wasn't a problem to admit to
myself, it wasn't an issue. If I don't like
something, I am quite happy to walk away from it. To admit to other people was harder, because for them it seemed
like a failure. It was weird, because I was quite happy myself not studying anymore, but embarrassed to say to people that I am going to quit. Finally I don't want to bother
so much about what other people might
think. At the end I knew it was right for me and that is all what matters.
I think my parents were a bit disappointed at first, because they thought I found something which is good for me. But I think I was lucky that they were quite
supportive, rather then being too pushy.
My parents were pleased in a way that at
That's the most important thing I think.
what you like and what you don't like. I as long as I am doing that, I am happy. If you are not happy with what you are doing at the moment, then don't do it.
Of course there are always good and bad
days and I am not saying you should give up just because of a bad one. But if you
don't enjoy it in general then quit. As long
as you are happy, it doesn't matter what anyone else or society thinks. When I was
in college everyone was going to university afterwards and I didn't know anyone who wasn't doing that. I felt quite pressured doing the same but I should not have done it. It's just a waste of time and a waste of
money. I don't think you need to follow the crowd. One should try different things out and if one doesn't enjoy one thing, then
just try the next thing and who knows, maybe it becomes your favourite one ever. How did you find out that working as a care
least I can stand up and say ‘I don't want
worker is right for you?
because I felt I should. They said finally
out of it and the more you have a direct
to do this’, rather than carrying on, just
Once I realized that how much you get
‘Look, if you don't want it, don't do it’. I
influence by helping people and making
hadn't really expected such a reaction.
Although my dad was a bit pushy at first,
he realized that he doesn't want me to be unhappy. It was more important for him
that I am happy than that I do something
which seems good for me but which I don't really enjoy.
What would you have done if your parents would have been too pushy? It would have been difficult. I have a close
relationship with my family. If they would have been too pushy, it would have caused lots of arguments and I wouldn't see them
as much and I wouldn't spend much time with them. So I am very lucky that they give me the kind of freedom to go and find
what I want to do. I think lots of people don't have that.
their life better, the more I felt awarded for what I am doing. And that makes me feel very good. People would think it's a selfless
thing to help other people, but actually it's quite selfish. It gives you so much and makes you feel so good.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? Probably
homeless
living
in
a
box
[hahaha]. No, just normal things, like getting married, having kids and still
doing what I enjoy doing. I don't really know what it's going to be at the end and
to be honest I don't really care. As long as
Now Dave enjoys working as a care worker and plans to do a nursing degree
I am happy with what I am doing, I think that's enough. I think it's inevitable that I am going to end up helping other people. I can't see myself doing anything else.
›
What would you tell people who do not know which direction to go in life? Which advice would you give, if somebody studies or does anything one does not really enjoy? I think it's good to not drive yourself crazy. I still don't know what I want to do and
where I am going to end up, but right now
66
67
to where I am now. Although I don't have
I enjoy my life and enjoy what I am doing.
found out what I am good at and what I
Trying different things out to have an idea
How was it for you to admit to yourself and
know that I love to help other people, so
any degree, I am happy now, because I enjoy doing.
to people around you that you don't want to continue at university any longer? I think it wasn't a problem to admit to
myself, it wasn't an issue. If I don't like
something, I am quite happy to walk away from it. To admit to other people was harder, because for them it seemed
like a failure. It was weird, because I was quite happy myself not studying anymore, but embarrassed to say to people that I am going to quit. Finally I don't want to bother
so much about what other people might
think. At the end I knew it was right for me and that is all what matters.
I think my parents were a bit disappointed at first, because they thought I found something which is good for me. But I think I was lucky that they were quite
supportive, rather then being too pushy.
My parents were pleased in a way that at
That's the most important thing I think.
what you like and what you don't like. I as long as I am doing that, I am happy. If you are not happy with what you are doing at the moment, then don't do it.
Of course there are always good and bad
days and I am not saying you should give up just because of a bad one. But if you
don't enjoy it in general then quit. As long
as you are happy, it doesn't matter what anyone else or society thinks. When I was
in college everyone was going to university afterwards and I didn't know anyone who wasn't doing that. I felt quite pressured doing the same but I should not have done it. It's just a waste of time and a waste of
money. I don't think you need to follow the crowd. One should try different things out and if one doesn't enjoy one thing, then
just try the next thing and who knows, maybe it becomes your favourite one ever. How did you find out that working as a care
least I can stand up and say ‘I don't want
worker is right for you?
because I felt I should. They said finally
out of it and the more you have a direct
to do this’, rather than carrying on, just
Once I realized that how much you get
‘Look, if you don't want it, don't do it’. I
influence by helping people and making
hadn't really expected such a reaction.
Although my dad was a bit pushy at first,
he realized that he doesn't want me to be unhappy. It was more important for him
that I am happy than that I do something
which seems good for me but which I don't really enjoy.
What would you have done if your parents would have been too pushy? It would have been difficult. I have a close
relationship with my family. If they would have been too pushy, it would have caused lots of arguments and I wouldn't see them
as much and I wouldn't spend much time with them. So I am very lucky that they give me the kind of freedom to go and find
what I want to do. I think lots of people don't have that.
their life better, the more I felt awarded for what I am doing. And that makes me feel very good. People would think it's a selfless
thing to help other people, but actually it's quite selfish. It gives you so much and makes you feel so good.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? Probably
homeless
living
in
a
box
[hahaha]. No, just normal things, like getting married, having kids and still
doing what I enjoy doing. I don't really know what it's going to be at the end and
to be honest I don't really care. As long as
Now Dave enjoys working as a care worker and plans to do a nursing degree
I am happy with what I am doing, I think that's enough. I think it's inevitable that I am going to end up helping other people. I can't see myself doing anything else.
›
What would you tell people who do not know which direction to go in life? Which advice would you give, if somebody studies or does anything one does not really enjoy? I think it's good to not drive yourself crazy. I still don't know what I want to do and
where I am going to end up, but right now
66
67
Maja Benke, 24, could
not express her creativity in the office
ÂťOur system does not fit well to everyoneÂŤ
MAJA BENKE FROM BERLIN, GERMANY
Why did you start to study landscape architecture? I chose this subject because on the one hand I was quite interested in the world
of plants and always loved nature as well
as its conservation, and on the other hand I am very interested in art, design and in
being creative. I thought by studying landscape architecture I would find all that.
How was it for you finishing university and actually working as a landscape architect? It wasn't what I expected at all. At the uni
it was all about designing and being crea-
tive, but at work the creative part suddenly became just unimportant. It was more about how to plan some parking spaces
or spaces where to put the dustbin while putting some plants around it. There are
so many rules you need to consider as a landscape architect, which almost choke
off all creativity. In addition I felt that I just have to do things other people told me
to do. Studying and working as a landscape architect are two different worlds for me.
Did you already know while studying that it's not what you want to do in life? Of course there were some courses which wasn't so fun and some points I didn't
agree with, especially dealing with the
conservation of nature, but in general I
enjoyed studying landscape architecture. The semester before last I did a trainee-
ship in an office and although it was a
68
good one, I already started to realize that
it's different from university and that I
don't really like the work as a landscape architect.
Why did you continued studying anyway? I didn't want to leave university because
there was only one semester left and I thought it would be better to have an aca-
demic degree. At least it looks better in your CV. And I wasn't sure if I maybe could
find any master which fits to my interests in the future.
Do you think about doing a master now? Yes, but not in landscape architecture. I don't know which master I could do, but
maybe something about development policy and organic farming. However I don't know if it's possible to do such a
master with a bachelor in landscape architecture. Nevertheless I know it looks
better in the CV if you do your bachelor and masters properly and without any pauses inbetween, but to be honest I think for my
plans I don't need to follow such a way of life. I hope to find my own individual way one day.
How was it for you realizing that you don't want to deal with landscape architecture anymore? It was a slow process realizing that I did
not want to deal with landscape architecture anymore. It started already in the uni, when I recognized that I was
›
69
Maja Benke, 24, could
not express her creativity in the office
ÂťOur system does not fit well to everyoneÂŤ
MAJA BENKE FROM BERLIN, GERMANY
Why did you start to study landscape architecture? I chose this subject because on the one hand I was quite interested in the world
of plants and always loved nature as well
as its conservation, and on the other hand I am very interested in art, design and in
being creative. I thought by studying landscape architecture I would find all that.
How was it for you finishing university and actually working as a landscape architect? It wasn't what I expected at all. At the uni
it was all about designing and being crea-
tive, but at work the creative part suddenly became just unimportant. It was more about how to plan some parking spaces
or spaces where to put the dustbin while putting some plants around it. There are
so many rules you need to consider as a landscape architect, which almost choke
off all creativity. In addition I felt that I just have to do things other people told me
to do. Studying and working as a landscape architect are two different worlds for me.
Did you already know while studying that it's not what you want to do in life? Of course there were some courses which wasn't so fun and some points I didn't
agree with, especially dealing with the
conservation of nature, but in general I
enjoyed studying landscape architecture. The semester before last I did a trainee-
ship in an office and although it was a
68
good one, I already started to realize that
it's different from university and that I
don't really like the work as a landscape architect.
Why did you continued studying anyway? I didn't want to leave university because
there was only one semester left and I thought it would be better to have an aca-
demic degree. At least it looks better in your CV. And I wasn't sure if I maybe could
find any master which fits to my interests in the future.
Do you think about doing a master now? Yes, but not in landscape architecture. I don't know which master I could do, but
maybe something about development policy and organic farming. However I don't know if it's possible to do such a
master with a bachelor in landscape architecture. Nevertheless I know it looks
better in the CV if you do your bachelor and masters properly and without any pauses inbetween, but to be honest I think for my
plans I don't need to follow such a way of life. I hope to find my own individual way one day.
How was it for you realizing that you don't want to deal with landscape architecture anymore? It was a slow process realizing that I did
not want to deal with landscape architecture anymore. It started already in the uni, when I recognized that I was
›
69
supposed to learn things for example
To take your time and don't let others or
about nature and its conversation, which
other things put you under pressure. I
of view trees and plants are more than just
maybe ten years, but I know that I want
I couldn't agree with, because in my point
things which one could remove or destroy
whenever one feels the need to. However first I thought that I wasted three years of
my life, but I also learned lots of things for life in general. And I never thought about
studying a different subject, I was quite happy with my one. It's just that I don't
want to work in an office for anyone else anymore. I was happy when I found the
courage to quit and to close the chapter
personally don't know what I could do in
to travel a lot in the upcoming months. I think when you are happy with what
you are doing right know, while having in mind how your future could look like,
then you will find your way sooner or later. I think it's important to take the time you need, to not let society or other people drive you crazy and try to listen to your inner voice.
Which advice would you give, if somebody
about landscape architecture in my life.
does something which one does not enjoy?
I felt relived and I promised to myself that
quit. And after that taking time for thin-
When I left on the last day from my office
Although it's not easy, it sounds easy: Just
I will never open up this chapter again.
king which direction to go in life. I would
Society says to us that we all should finish
our study, having good marks and no gaps in our CV. Such a system does not fit well to
everyone. I think it's more important to be happy and to feel good by finding your own
and personal way, than feeling unhappy but following what others or society says you should.
How have your friends and family reacted to
recommend things like traveling to inrich
one's perspective. Especially doing things like walking the ‘Camino de Santiago’, which is a pilgrim route in Spain which
helps lots of people find more to themselves. I would prefer places which are not as
busy as big cities and rather going to places where you can take time for understanding yourself better.
›
your decision? They knew already that I was not happy before I quit being a landscape architect so
they understood my decision. I think they
knew that I could handle this situation in
my life and have the trust in me that I will find my way.
If you could go back in time, what would you do different? I would not do anything different. Maybe it would be better if one doesn't go to uni-
versity directly after leaving school and to
have time to think and time for orientation to choose a direction in life. I don't
regret what others could call failures and
Now as an interim solution Maja works as a waitress in a cafe in England, while making plans to go travelling
wouldn't off liked to miss any experiences I had. I feel better to have a backup and
feel more secure knowing that I have an academic degree.
Have you any idea what could fulfill you in your life? Maybe something in organic farming and development policy, but to be honest I really don't know. I just know that for now I want to travel.
What would you say to people who don't know which direction to choose in life?
70
71
supposed to learn things for example
To take your time and don't let others or
about nature and its conversation, which
other things put you under pressure. I
of view trees and plants are more than just
maybe ten years, but I know that I want
I couldn't agree with, because in my point
things which one could remove or destroy
whenever one feels the need to. However first I thought that I wasted three years of
my life, but I also learned lots of things for life in general. And I never thought about
studying a different subject, I was quite happy with my one. It's just that I don't
want to work in an office for anyone else anymore. I was happy when I found the
courage to quit and to close the chapter
personally don't know what I could do in
to travel a lot in the upcoming months. I think when you are happy with what
you are doing right know, while having in mind how your future could look like,
then you will find your way sooner or later. I think it's important to take the time you need, to not let society or other people drive you crazy and try to listen to your inner voice.
Which advice would you give, if somebody
about landscape architecture in my life.
does something which one does not enjoy?
I felt relived and I promised to myself that
quit. And after that taking time for thin-
When I left on the last day from my office
Although it's not easy, it sounds easy: Just
I will never open up this chapter again.
king which direction to go in life. I would
Society says to us that we all should finish
our study, having good marks and no gaps in our CV. Such a system does not fit well to
everyone. I think it's more important to be happy and to feel good by finding your own
and personal way, than feeling unhappy but following what others or society says you should.
How have your friends and family reacted to
recommend things like traveling to inrich
one's perspective. Especially doing things like walking the ‘Camino de Santiago’, which is a pilgrim route in Spain which
helps lots of people find more to themselves. I would prefer places which are not as
busy as big cities and rather going to places where you can take time for understanding yourself better.
›
your decision? They knew already that I was not happy before I quit being a landscape architect so
they understood my decision. I think they
knew that I could handle this situation in
my life and have the trust in me that I will find my way.
If you could go back in time, what would you do different? I would not do anything different. Maybe it would be better if one doesn't go to uni-
versity directly after leaving school and to
have time to think and time for orientation to choose a direction in life. I don't
regret what others could call failures and
Now as an interim solution Maja works as a waitress in a cafe in England, while making plans to go travelling
wouldn't off liked to miss any experiences I had. I feel better to have a backup and
feel more secure knowing that I have an academic degree.
Have you any idea what could fulfill you in your life? Maybe something in organic farming and development policy, but to be honest I really don't know. I just know that for now I want to travel.
What would you say to people who don't know which direction to choose in life?
70
71
Jody Collyer, 21, left
photography behind her and travelled to Australia
72
Jody Collyer, 21, left
photography behind her and travelled to Australia
72
»I don't have any income at the moment but I'm happy«
JODY COLLYER FROM BRIGHTON, UK
Why did you start studying photography? Originally I was doing drama, but I didn't enjoy that. As I studied photography for
two years in college and really loved it, I decided to study it.
anything at the moment. I do get housing benefits, which covers most of my rent and God provides the rest.
working in the church instead of studying at
I felt that it was quite expensive for what I
university?
much as I did in college and I didn't learn what I expected.
How did people react when you told them you want to quit photography? My parents weren't too happy. But we discussed it over and it was OK. They wanted
to know what I was going to do instead and when I told them that I was going to Australia for six months, they first thought
I was joking. We talked a lot and after a while they were happy. They didn't see a
point in me studying for three years if I didn't enjoy it already in the first semester. How did you feel after realizing that photography is not what you want to do in life? I was excited and happy to see what I was
going to do instead. I wasn't happy while I was at uni, so I left and felt so much more
free. Flying to Australia and not knowing where I am going to end up, I felt so excited for my new chapter in life. What are you doing now? I am volunteering fulltime for my church, which includes feeding the homeless and
bible reading with children at school.
At night Jody searches for homeless people to talk with them and to serve them food and hot drinks
Did you already know that you would prefer
Why did you quit? was getting from it. I wasn't enjoying it as
74
I don't actually have any income from
No. I kind of thought going to college, then to university and afterwards getting
a job and all that normal stuff. When I was travelling I really opened my eyes to
that there is so much more and so much
more freedom. I was actually at the airport coming back from Australia and talked to
my friend who said that I could do a year
out at the church. And I thought ‘why not?’ Since then I learned so much and realized I can rely so much more in God.
If you could go back in time, what would you do different after leaving college? Probably would have travelled more after college. But now I guess God just put in my heart to serve and help other people.
If I knew that before, then I would have loved to have gone to different places in
the world to help people in poor countries. What are your next plans? I want to travel a lot. First I will go to Madagascar to help the poor people there and to
talk about how awesome Jesus is. It's such
a poor country and I feel God wants me to go there. After that I would love to go to South Africa.
What would you tell people who do not know which direction to go in life? I think if you start helping other people in any area, then you will find your way.
It gives you the satisfaction than nothing else does. At first I didn't know what I
could do after coming back from Australia, but then I started helping out in different things in the church. When I joined the
homeless project, that was really when my heart broke for them and I knew this is
what I want to do in life. I think God has given everyone a purpose and by helping other people you can find yours.
Which advice would you give somebody who does something which they do not enjoy? To stop. But that's often easier to say than done. I would recommend starting
to dream bigger and finally act on that
dream. And it is said in the bible: ‘Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and not depending on your own understanding’. Sometimes you can think ‘Oh, I am
going to work in this job, because I think I should’. But this might be only your own understanding, while God knows so much
better and if you listen to him you might
hear him saying: ‘This job isn't for you,
a burning kind of sensation inside, which
answers to everything and if you trust
such a passion for something, then you
go over here’. I think God always has the in him, then the answers will come to
you. Sometimes he will highlight for you
needs to get out. I think when you have just know it's right for you.
Have you any plans about going to university
anything you read. Sometimes you talk to
again?
inspiration fom them and sometimes you
say they're doing this essay and this disser-
a person and immediately get an idea or
No. I couldn't study again. All my friends
see something normal but in this moment
tation, but I couldn't do that. I just want to
you have the feeling that there is a special meaning for you. God talks to every one
of us in different ways. It just depends if you open up yourself for his forms of
go out there, get my hands dirty and help other people. I want to go my own way, rather following others and wasting time. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
communication. I think it's important to
Hmm ... where is the globe? [hahaha]
life than just following the ‘normal’ way.
calls me, I will go. I just know that I will
understand that there's so much more in Meeting new people is important too, to
get inspired and a new perspective. God
Honestly, I have no idea. Whereever God still be helping other people.
What are other people saying about your life
might speak through them to you, who
style?
books like ‘The Cause within You’ from
want a normal career and that I just want
knows. I would also definitely recommend
It is hard to explain sometimes that I never
Matthew Barnett. It helped me to find my
to help other people fulltime. I am not
own cause in life.
How did you find out that working in the church and helping people is right for you? I just love it. When I start talking about
the poor, God and his miracles, I just get
interested in money. I don't want to live
a comfortable life. They say: ‘You need money, you need a job’. But at least some
understand that actually God provides for everything.
•
75
»I don't have any income at the moment but I'm happy«
JODY COLLYER FROM BRIGHTON, UK
Why did you start studying photography? Originally I was doing drama, but I didn't enjoy that. As I studied photography for
two years in college and really loved it, I decided to study it.
anything at the moment. I do get housing benefits, which covers most of my rent and God provides the rest.
working in the church instead of studying at
I felt that it was quite expensive for what I
university?
much as I did in college and I didn't learn what I expected.
How did people react when you told them you want to quit photography? My parents weren't too happy. But we discussed it over and it was OK. They wanted
to know what I was going to do instead and when I told them that I was going to Australia for six months, they first thought
I was joking. We talked a lot and after a while they were happy. They didn't see a
point in me studying for three years if I didn't enjoy it already in the first semester. How did you feel after realizing that photography is not what you want to do in life? I was excited and happy to see what I was
going to do instead. I wasn't happy while I was at uni, so I left and felt so much more
free. Flying to Australia and not knowing where I am going to end up, I felt so excited for my new chapter in life. What are you doing now? I am volunteering fulltime for my church, which includes feeding the homeless and
bible reading with children at school.
At night Jody searches for homeless people to talk with them and to serve them food and hot drinks
Did you already know that you would prefer
Why did you quit? was getting from it. I wasn't enjoying it as
74
I don't actually have any income from
No. I kind of thought going to college, then to university and afterwards getting
a job and all that normal stuff. When I was travelling I really opened my eyes to
that there is so much more and so much
more freedom. I was actually at the airport coming back from Australia and talked to
my friend who said that I could do a year
out at the church. And I thought ‘why not?’ Since then I learned so much and realized I can rely so much more in God.
If you could go back in time, what would you do different after leaving college? Probably would have travelled more after college. But now I guess God just put in my heart to serve and help other people.
If I knew that before, then I would have loved to have gone to different places in
the world to help people in poor countries. What are your next plans? I want to travel a lot. First I will go to Madagascar to help the poor people there and to
talk about how awesome Jesus is. It's such
a poor country and I feel God wants me to go there. After that I would love to go to South Africa.
What would you tell people who do not know which direction to go in life? I think if you start helping other people in any area, then you will find your way.
It gives you the satisfaction than nothing else does. At first I didn't know what I
could do after coming back from Australia, but then I started helping out in different things in the church. When I joined the
homeless project, that was really when my heart broke for them and I knew this is
what I want to do in life. I think God has given everyone a purpose and by helping other people you can find yours.
Which advice would you give somebody who does something which they do not enjoy? To stop. But that's often easier to say than done. I would recommend starting
to dream bigger and finally act on that
dream. And it is said in the bible: ‘Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and not depending on your own understanding’. Sometimes you can think ‘Oh, I am
going to work in this job, because I think I should’. But this might be only your own understanding, while God knows so much
better and if you listen to him you might
hear him saying: ‘This job isn't for you,
a burning kind of sensation inside, which
answers to everything and if you trust
such a passion for something, then you
go over here’. I think God always has the in him, then the answers will come to
you. Sometimes he will highlight for you
needs to get out. I think when you have just know it's right for you.
Have you any plans about going to university
anything you read. Sometimes you talk to
again?
inspiration fom them and sometimes you
say they're doing this essay and this disser-
a person and immediately get an idea or
No. I couldn't study again. All my friends
see something normal but in this moment
tation, but I couldn't do that. I just want to
you have the feeling that there is a special meaning for you. God talks to every one
of us in different ways. It just depends if you open up yourself for his forms of
go out there, get my hands dirty and help other people. I want to go my own way, rather following others and wasting time. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
communication. I think it's important to
Hmm ... where is the globe? [hahaha]
life than just following the ‘normal’ way.
calls me, I will go. I just know that I will
understand that there's so much more in Meeting new people is important too, to
get inspired and a new perspective. God
Honestly, I have no idea. Whereever God still be helping other people.
What are other people saying about your life
might speak through them to you, who
style?
books like ‘The Cause within You’ from
want a normal career and that I just want
knows. I would also definitely recommend
It is hard to explain sometimes that I never
Matthew Barnett. It helped me to find my
to help other people fulltime. I am not
own cause in life.
How did you find out that working in the church and helping people is right for you? I just love it. When I start talking about
the poor, God and his miracles, I just get
interested in money. I don't want to live
a comfortable life. They say: ‘You need money, you need a job’. But at least some
understand that actually God provides for everything.
•
75