Pien de Ruig (AC 79-81) is currently working as an Independent Consultant following several years in Marketing and HRM at Unilever. 

 

Pien studied at the University of Wageningen and graduated with a Masters of Science in food technology.

 

“I went to a traditional Catholic Dutch gymnasium where I studied the classics, Latin, Greek and Maths.  We were taught by catholic fathers.  I first heard about UWC from my English teacher.  He was very inspiring and brought into class some flyers and brochures on UWC that he had received.  We all spent some time discussing it and to me all those nationalities and sports seemed very exciting. The picture of the speedboat at Pearson College was the trigger for me.  My dream was to go to Pearson College, but my parents would not allow it at that time.  Canada still was at the other end of the world and travelling was an expensive experience in those days” recalls Pien.

 

“UWC was almost the exact opposite of my Dutch school – it was such an inspiring environment where we were all challenged every day.  The level of education was high and it created a very broad and intense learning experience.  I really enjoyed the all-inclusive-ness of UWC, living, learning, and loving together, I made some good friends. Looking back at it now, I realise even more how many opportunities were offered to us. I regret not having gone to some of the Friday night lectures and some cultural evenings. I suppose at the age of 16 there were so many other issues competing for my time and attention.

 

“I know that without having gone to UWC, I would have finished my gymnasium in the Netherlands and then have gone to a national university. But the one thing that I have taken away from my UWC education and that I try to implement each day is to value the difference. After all these years of practice it’s still easier said than done. I still remember the pretty Malaysian girl who got dressed in the small closet in her room. In the beginning we didn’t understand what was going on. Then we tried to persuade her to dress just like us, in our room or in the bathroom. At the end we gave her a sign when the bathroom was free. ’ Respect’ is a theme that has very recently been picked up in all levels of Dutch society. For me that is very much connected to valuing the difference and I’m glad that the government has picked this up.

 

“My main achievement is the balanced life that I have created. I have a happy family with a husband and four children, a nice career and even some time for voluntary work.  I have been a member of the Dutch National Committee for a number of years and I’m very involved with the exciting project of a new UWC in Maastricht. 

 

“I will encourage my children to go to a United World College but not push them. I believe UWC works best when children have an intrinsic motivation.”