Lifelong Learning Special
Zuidas is best known as Amsterdam’s business district, chock-a-block with skyscrapers and scores of offices. More recently, however, the district has grown into a veritable urban neighbourhood and a great place to live and hang out. Many businesses have also discovered Zuidas, and with their arrival, the district has added a wide range of services and amenities, including shops, schools, fitness centres and places to drink and dine. Powering each of these establishments are entrepreneurs and employees with their own special, personal stories that we’re eager to share with you.
someone willing to support me and help me along. In my case, someone connected me with the Red Cross. I’ve been working
MEET THE...
Hannah Bailon
there for a year now, because I can utilize my skills and do research there. VU
VU STUDENT
Amsterdam has helped me to advance,
Native Filipino and English-speaker Hannah Bailon is doing a master’s degree
looking for after graduation?
at VU Amsterdam. She also has a job as student manager of the VU Green Office,
“I would like to do something involving
a sustainability platform for students. Hannah told us how she likes life as a VU
data. Analysing data for a company sounds
student and what brought her to the Netherlands.
very interesting. A job in Zuidas would
be heard and represent my people and country.” What kind of job will you be
be brilliant, as they’ve got the power and You are from the Philippines, so what
You are doing an MA in Societal
influence to make a massive difference.
brought you to the Netherlands?
Resilience. What made you choose
And I’d like to be a part of that movement.
“I’d long been wanting to go to the
this programme and university?
I want to make a big social impact myself,
Netherlands more than anywhere else,
“Back when I was looking at universities,
as well, by living more sustainably. My
mostly because some of my family live
I applied to two different ones: the
work for the VU Green Office is part of
here. That also made my moving abroad
University of Amsterdam and VU
that. As a student at VU Amsterdam, I am
two years ago easier for my parents.
Amsterdam. I wound up choosing VU
connected to Zuidas, since the university
This branch of my family showed me
Amsterdam because they offered me a
has partnerships with a ton of companies
around here in Holland and explained
grant. Students feel welcome at VU, they’re
here. Students can often make only a small
how everything works. Now I live with my
not made to feel like a number. If I want to
impact, but these partnerships with Zuidas
boyfriend in Amsterdam.”
research something new, there’s always
significantly improve your odds of success.”
Text: Fleur Nuisker • Photography: Caily Bobby Jo
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