Even when I’m writing a book, I often think...
Even when I’m writing a book, I often think: it’s just a collection of a certain number of letters, chapter by chapter. It helps me to persevere and has ultimately enabled me to add that title to my name. Without that ‘qualification’, I wouldn’t have been able to become a lecturer.
Enjoying my work
My work is my hobby. Whilst many people are happy to get away from work completely when they’re on holiday, I look forward to sitting by the pool and quietly reading newspapers and magazines. Put on a podcast, have a nice little write-up – I love that.
What’s remarkable is that ten years ago I didn’t even know what a lecturer did: linking professional practice and academia through teaching and research. As a child I wanted to be an archaeologist, but over time I lost interest in museums, finds and excavations. Yet there is a parallel with what I do now: uncovering new information, discovering connections. I have the opportunity to make Europe more accessible through research, in lessons, books and interviews. Translating material that is complicated for many people into an understandable story. My fifth book is coming out after the summer, about lobbying for your own interests in policy. I can’t imagine a better job right now!
Inspiration from the past
Who would I like to meet? If it were still possible, I would love to have a chat with Jean Monnet. This French cognac merchant was one of the founding fathers of European cooperation. After the Second World War, he and a number of his contemporaries developed a vision to prevent another war from breaking out. And this despite the fact that for centuries it had been the norm for European countries to be at war with one another. He devised a unique structure in which countries such as Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands would integrate economically. Seventy years later, we share a European Parliament with 27 countries that we elect directly, and we use the euro. I would love to hear his views on the current European Union. And I am proud to hold the Jean Monnet Chair at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
‘When I grow up’…
I’m really enjoying life as a single person, but of course it would be lovely if the spark were to fly again. Sometimes I fantasise about having a little farm later on. I love gardening, animals and open spaces, so I can already picture it perfectly. I’d be walking around in blue overalls, with even more cats and a dog, and those little mini-pigs running about everywhere. Spending the whole day outdoors, reading and writing.
Ten years ago, I was successfully treated for breast cancer. Strangely enough, I don’t really remember the medical process itself, but rather the excellent care and the overwhelming outpouring of friendship and love I experienced at the time. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the little things even more: a pleasant chat, a bird singing, a cup of coffee. Things that often turn out to be the most important things in the long run.
Mendeltje van Keulen
Year of birth: 1975
Profession:
- Professor of practice (lecturer) “European Impact” The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Jean Monnet Chair EU Digi Act
- Researches European affairs
- Member of the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV)
Residence: The Hague
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