From classroom to campsite dream: Daan and Wieske about their BUas journey

A normal class, a special moment. Wieske was there to resit the exam, Daan was taking the regular class. We sat next to each other, a bit confused by the Spanish word game, laughed it off, and started our own conversation. We clicked right away.

What started as a joke about student numbers (Wieske started in 2015, Daan in 2019) grew into a special bond. Months later, we were sitting together on the beach in Zandvoort, sipping sangria in a Spanish restaurant. We sent our lecturer Marleen Hövels a message – in Spanish, of course – to let her know that her class had brought us together. Her enthusiastic response made the moment complete.

Six years later, we look back fondly on our time at BUas. We laughed, we worked hard, and above all, we learned a lot – from each other and from our lecturers. Names such as Dick van der Wal, Martijn Smeenge, Suzanne Vollenbronck, Karina van der Walle, Ferdaous Alami, Jeroen Vinkesteijn, and Marian van der Ent often come up in our conversations. And when we happen to see them in Breda? It's always fun.

Our Tourism Management programme not only shaped us academically, but also brought us closer together. We understood each other's challenges, helped each other study for exams, and supported each other through tough times. Whether it was the difficult EBFU module or the thesis period – we faced it all together. 

For Wieske, the end of her studies was the hardest part: working independently, resits, a busy part-time job, and concentration problems made it a tough time. But in 2023, the long-awaited cry finally echoed through the stairs of the Horizon Building: ‘I DID IT!’ Daan was by her side, offering mental support and a tidy house.

Daan on the other hand struggled during the coronavirus pandemic. He had no classmates to bounce ideas off, and EBFU proved to be a major hurdle. Thanks to Wieske's help, he passed his first year and later graduated. We celebrated that success together.

We are now both working. Daan works at RBT De Langstraat as a sales assistant, promoting tourism in the region. Wieske is a customer support specialist at PharmaPartners, where she supports pharmacists and general practitioners. Two completely different jobs, but with a shared foundation: our education at BUas.

In the evenings, we share our experiences – from tourist trends to software problems. And we dream on. Our shared ambition? To start our own tourism business. A small campsite in a sunny country, where we offer guests a warm welcome and let them experience how wonderful the tourism sector can be.

Finally, we would like to share something with students – and perhaps also with alumni who are still shaping their careers: no matter how difficult it may feel at times, there will come a time when you look back and think: I did it. So persevere, keep dreaming and... go for it! 

Warm regards,
Daan & Wieske

Share your BUas journey

Did you also meet your partner, best friend or business partner at BUas?

Daan and Wieske found each other during a Spanish class – and their story shows just how special the connections you make during your studies can be. Do you also have a memorable BUas story that deserves to be shared?

We are looking for inspiring, surprising or heart-warming stories from alumni who got to know each other at BUas. Whether it's about love, friendship or collaboration – we'd love to hear it!

Would you like to share your story in a next alumni newsletter? Please contact Marieke Hommelberg at [email protected].