Starting My Final Year of School + Preparing for the Future

Now that August is coming to an end, I’m beginning to realize I am starting my final year of school in a week. I will be graduating next year. Part of me is screaming FINALLY! After seven years of going to the same Academy (I changed my major after three years and started over) and making tests and doing assignments, I feel like I am so ready to leave. However, I’m also leaving behind a huge piece of what’s been such a big part of my life for so many years. It also kind of feels like moving away from a house you’ve lived in for a long time. In this blogpost, I’ll tell you a little more about what I do and what I have planned for the future.

My major

I am currently studying trend research and concept development (International Lifestyle Studies or ILS) at Fontys Academy for Creative Industries. We learn to discover trends in society, mentality and products/services and come up with creative concepts that are “future proof”. Always with improving quality of life as the main goal. We focus on six different sectors: health, food, living, human movement, appearance, and leisure.

I absolutely love the idea of getting to create a better future for our generation and those to come. It’s my personal goal to make the world easier, more fun and more special.

Previous major

As I mentioned, I switched majors three years in. Before I moved on to trend research and concept development, I studied communication for Creative Industries (events, music, and entertainment). I specialized in gaming and visitor attractions (theme parks). Although I loved doing this, I felt I needed a fresh start after I had to temporarily quit school when I was suffering from depression. That’s when I decided I still wanted to do concept development, but with a more idealistic view. I felt the concepts we created at my first study program were just for fun and the concepts we create for ILS are more likely to actually make a difference in the world. Change someone’s life for the better.

Final Year

So, now it’s all coming to an end. Wow, that sounded more dramatic than I intended! However, it’s what it feels like to me. The end of an era. I can’t wait for it to be over so I can finally start doing what I actually love: helping people build a business from their passion. I’m pretty much counting down the days. I hope to get permission to do my final internship for my own business (entrepreneurship is encouraged) so I can get started early. How awesome would it be to graduate doing something you absolutely love?

However, I am also somewhat nervous for it to end, because it feels like after that everything is “real”. I’ll need to start making money, maintain a job (preferably my own business) and failing an assignment means disappointing a client, not a teacher who can help you do better next time.

All in all, I am excited to be almost finished and feeling (kinda) ready for life after textbooks and uncomfortable wooden chairs.

Future plans

I want to use my company to help other people find their passions and help them build a profitable business doing something they absolutely love. It’s my goal to help as many people as possible live the life of their dreams.

What are your plans for the future? Do you have a dream job or are you still searching for that special thing that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning? (In that case, maybe this blogpost can offer some help.)

With much love,

Maud