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Combining sports and study by Karin Prent
Hi, I’m Karin Prent and I study Forest- and Nature Conservation. I am a ‘bosbouwer’ (Dutch for forester), as students of this study are called by the rest of Wageningen
In 1999, I started idealistically with the study Biology at the Utrecht University with the hope to save nature from destructive mankind. After I got my masters degree, I started to look for a job, but I found that there was a gap between my job preferences and my education. I did not want to be a hardcore ecologist. Instead of creating new insights, I preferred to apply scientific knowledge in the real world. Unfortunately, my educational experience and the working climate at that moment did not make it possible for me to find a job in that direction. After reviewing my option, I decided to go back to the school. I found this master with the specialisation of policy and management. This seemed to fill the gap.
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I have now completed the first year of the master degree; I have to say it was the best choice I ever made. The experiences with the social sciences were an eye-opener. I think this is a good combination with my previous experience in empirical research. Even though I am an animal ecologist by heart, the forestry parts of the course are very useful and interesting. I also like the foreign students that participate and bring with them their stories and insights. I have met people from countries like Nepal, Peru, Ecuador and Poland.
Next to my study I am organising a symposium on the European ecological network with fellow students. It will hopefully take place in November and I really hope it is going to be a success. I’m also an enthusiastic technical athlete. At least three times a week you can find me at the sport centre the Bongerd. I joined the student athletics association Tartlétos. This is the biggest student athletics club of the Netherlands in the smallest student city of the Netherlands. A good indication how sportive the students of Wageningen are. With the brand new blue track at the Bongerd, it is going to be even more I think.
Next year, I am planning to start my internship. I hope to find a place at a governmental institute like the ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality. My interest is mostly on the subject of ecological networks and big fauna. I am also very likely going to be the next chairman for Tartlétos. It is going to be another interesting year!! |