From Family Nest to Finding Her Wings.
In July 2015, we moved to our dream house in Tenerife. Our daughter, Thom, was about to embark on a new adventure.
She was graduating and heading to the US for university in the fall. But first, a three-month “gap year” loomed.
For a young woman who had been mostly cared for all her life, this was a daunting prospect. As responsible parents, we wanted to help her find a place to stay until her departure. But finding accommodation in Amsterdam was no easy (or cheap) task.
Yoni, ever the creative thinker, suggested reaching out to our wide community to see if anyone needed a house sitter for the summer. Within 24 hours, Thom secured a beautiful home in Amsterdam’s best location until she needed to leave for the USA.
Next challenge: finding a job. We offered financial support for her studies, but until then, she was on her own. Thom, being Thom, decided to turn a potential problem into an opportunity. With a keen eye for photography and a rebellious spirit, she pitched herself as our seminar photographer.
We were sceptical at first. As a child, she had participated, especially in the Breakthrough to Success seminars. However, as a teenager, she grew more cynical about our work. But now she was stepping into the professional arena.
To our surprise, she absolutely nailed it! Capturing the energy and essence of our seminars, she even won over the head of our video team (Bas), who was so impressed that he offered her a summer job with his team. Thom accepted, had a blast, and gained valuable experience.
It was a whirlwind summer for Thom, filled with new experiences and newfound confidence. And for us? It was a proud parent moment, watching our little bird spread her wings and fly.
One Response
Alright here to chip in.
1. Not my first job – I had babysat previously also was never really encouraged to go get jobs as my memory recollects you both wishing me to focus on studies and not waste time in jobs that would drain my ‘soul’
2. In hindsight should have really not let an 18 year old take lodging in one of your students places, especially if that place was centred in Amsterdam. No one should give an 18 year old that responsibility with no supervision 😂