As the current Urban Management and Development (UMD) cohort is busy working on their theses, we’re taking a moment to check in with one of our students. Rizkika Zulhijjiani, who is part of the Urban Housing and Land Justice track, has chosen to take on an internship alongside her research. Balancing both has been a challenging but rewarding experience. In her blog below, Rizkika reflects on her journey and shares her experiences living and learning in the Netherlands.
Where the window faces east
Living far from home humbled me to learn more about a different culture. Gradually, as I try to adapt to Dutch culture, I even keep my curtains open through the day and night. My desk faces the window and I often find myself people-watching, wondering why people are in such a rush or what things they just bought in their grocery bags. This new habit also makes me wake up earlier, especially in this late spring. With my window facing east, the rising sun wakes me far earlier than I'd like, unwillingly recruiting me into the 5 am club. Nevertheless, waking up early gives me more time to reflect, what kind of day I want to create?
These days, my life is split between two tabs: one for my thesis and the other for my internship.
One thread, two worlds: navigating climate action
I currently work as an intern at WRI Europe, where I learn about things that are completely new to me. With a background in urban planning, I’m now find myself the world of finance and business, learning how these fields can help adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.
At the same time, I am working on my Masters thesis, which allows me to sit and hear real life stories, some full of hope and some the other way around. It gives me the opportunity jump straight into society, which helps me get out of the climate cocoon I often find myself in.
My thesis helps broaden my lens to view the world from diverse perspectives. While my internship stretches me toward the economic side, this thesis anchors me in the social side. Both of these are intertwined by the only one red string: the urge of climate change. Juggling between almost completely different things is not always easy. Yet, I always perceive that life is an endless form of learning, there is no space for regret. I am thoroughly enjoying how I can balance both
Most days, I need to split my time between my internship and thesis work. Both my thesis case study and internship are based in The Hague, so my daily routine revolves around the city. Before going to The Hague on office days, I spend the morning working on my thesis while waiting for off-peak travel hours. On days dedicated to thesis work, I do the opposite, focusing on internship tasks earlier in the day.
Typical day
My day starts with me biking around 8:45 to reach the office by 10. I work until lunch, and during our break, the intern cohort tries to step outside for a walk in the nearby forest. After reconnecting with nature, I return to work for the rest of the afternoon. After work in the evening, before heading back to my place, I go to my living research site, walking and observing this neighborhood, to the point where some people recognise me now.
As a newcomer, I often get rejected by them, as much as they welcome me to be part of their community and volunteer in their community gardens. That all-hectic day ends every 9 in the evening. I go back to my room just to open my laptop, watch my favorite shows, eat my dinner, and have the quiet satisfaction of a day well lived.
When I’m not at the office or collecting data, I chase for places that give me comfort while writing. Since I love books, old buildings, and greenery, I often end up in libraries. Neude Library in Utrecht and Korenbeurs Library in Schiedam, for instance, are a perfect reflection of my spirit. Being surrounded by their calm energy make it easy to focus. It is also a welcomed change in environment, as staying in my room is filled with distractions, such as the comfort of my bed.
Finding harmony
Living in this country keeps me busy, not only on weekdays but also on weekends. Being a student doesn't mean you are solely focused on studying or that I will be in my room all weekend. I dedicate my weekend to traveling this country with people I love, which also helps me to stay sane. Every city in this country is just magically reachable, and every one of those has stories to unfold. I couldn’t be more grateful to be here.
To be honest, despite the weight of it all, juggling these different activities has protected me from boredom and lost steam. Balancing all, precarious as it sometimes feels, keeps me engaged.
One thing my internship supervisor said to me still sticks in my mind:
"This is the time for you to explore, try everything, and don’t forget to find people who can walk with you and be your mentor in each phase of your life."
I reflect a lot through that.
As I said earlier, I have always believed that life is a continuous unfolding of lessons. Thus, I realised that part of learning is also how to cherish my life in the present time, including everyone who comes into my life. Even for people I pass by in the street, who could be my thesis informants, without officially making them my mentors, I learned a lot from them. Expanded my view, pushing me away from my own bubble and narrow frame.
