Jasmijn Hofman (The Netherlands), Maastricht Science Programme
I am really enjoying getting to experiment with subject choice and gain useful insight into so many fields in a way I think will help my future career through the interdisciplinary nature of science.
I chose MSP because I am fascinated by so many scientific disciplines and genuinely love learning about all of them. I have suspicions that I would like to go on to do zoology or ecology within my academic career, but the thought of dropping physics and chemistry altogether so early was never going to work for me.
I am now in my second year of university and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to pursue a degree that is working towards my desired career, while still getting the background in physics and chemistry I didn’t want to miss. I’ve always found it difficult to prioritise what I want to focus on because so many subjects are appealing to me. Therefore one of the most helpful aspects of the science program for me has been the help of my academic advisor. The academic advisor facilitates me to satiate my interest in a diverse range of topics without losing sight of the main focus of my degree.
Maastricht is such a diverse city that I also get the opportunity to explore many interests extra-curricularly. There are brilliant opportunities for students to become politically active or volunteer at many different organisations to develop themselves more than just academically. This is something I find very important.
I am really enjoying getting to experiment with subject choice and gain useful insight into so many fields in a way I think will help my future career through the interdisciplinary nature of science. I feel that having the opportunity to study a range of fields is giving me a more robust education and a more enjoyable one that I am genuinely motivated to study hard for while still having the energy to throw myself into so many other worthwhile projects.