Annemie Opheij: I have learned to make choices - for myself and for
the things which I think are Important
My name is Annemie Opheij and I am fifty-five years old. As well as my
job in the restaurant of a consultancy firm, on my own behalf I am taking
a drawing and painting course at the Academy of Arts in Arendonk (Belgium).
I have always spent a lot of time learning. After primary school I did
a domestic science course, a common choice for girls in those days. After
my education in domestic science I went to work in housekeeping and later
in the catering industry. When I got married and had children, I quit
working to take care of the children. After a few years I signed up for
some courses. These were special courses for ‘society’ women
and later I held classes myself. For this I attended courses at Folk High
Schools to learn how to teach and to learn how to share knowledge.
As I am always quite creative, I started teaching creative courses and
so my hobby became my work. When the children grew up I started to work
again. I worked in a fabric shop and I worked up to Working Manager, but
I still felt that I had to learn so I obtained a professional diploma
for textile (Detex) and an entrepreneur certificate. Unfortunately after
twelve years the shop went bankrupt and I decided to return to catering.
I got a job in a restaurant, the same restaurant I work for now. I now
work for pleasure. However, even though the customers are always satisfied,
the effort you put in is not always appreciated enough and so it does
not get you far so when I was fifty I decided to do something that I really
wanted to do.
I wanted to explore my creative side, which I had never really done before.
Furthermore I wanted to do some training and at the end of it I wanted
to be presented with a certificate to further my job prospects which is
why I chose to attend the Academy of Arts in Arendonk where I studied
drawing, painting and the history of art. Four years ago I had to take
an entrance examination for each part and fortunately I passed. I am still
completing the five-year course with great pleasure. After this course
I can continue with a two-year specialisation, but again I will have to
take an entrance examination.
My education has given me a lot, not only in the field itself but personally
as well as professionally. I have now achieved what I always wanted. That
is a personal victory, which motivates me to continue. By taking the course
on and having had the contact with other students and teachers, I have
learnt to make choices. Meeting up with others enriches me and helps me
to develop my own opinion. Previously I had always said yes to everything
but now I know when to say no because I can make my own choices which
I think is really important.
If I could do it all over again I would not do it that differently. I
would take care of the children. It is not always possible to plan everything
ahead. Things come your way and from there you go on. However, I would
make more choices and say yes or no more clearly. I see now that my own
children have to deal with so many choices in life. My children can make
their choices. I think that lifelong learning is very important. You do
not only learn at school but you learn in everything that you do. This
I now realise. I also feel that it is important that you keep on developing
yourself and that you make choices! Learning should not always be for
work only. There comes a time in your life when you do not want to work
anymore and when you are able to do the things you chose to do like visiting
a museum with your children or grandchildren just because you feel like
it. I think that it is important to pass onto them what you do know. That,
I believe is great and that I enjoy!
Coby van Es
The computer age passed me by completely, until my son emigrated to Canada
for his work. He is starting his own business there and I, as a parent,
want to communicate with my child. Daily phone calls are expensive and
also the time difference makes it unpractical.
Therefore I started a computer course for senior citizens in the community
centre. Actually, just to learn how to use e-mail. A whole new world opened
up to me. Every month we have a meeting with a theme, such as Excel. In
a group we do our homework. We learn a lot from each other.
Through fellow students I also joined the bridge club. To really learn
well I attended a course, so I can join in with the rest. At the moment
I do administrative work for the bridge club on my computer. Who would
have thought one year ago! And my son, he is doing well. Thanks to the
course there doesn’t seem to be such a large distance between us
anymore. The first thing I do in the morning
is check my mail!
|
