Philosophy, Politics and Economics

“PPE taught me to think critically. Coming out of high school, I was trained to look for one correct answer. In that sense, PPE has broadened my mind. I have become more receptive to different ideas and I know that complex problems leave room for more than one solution. This has been frustrating in the beginning, but now I am very grateful because it has changed my mindset entirely.”

Vertaling:

“PPE heeft me geleerd kritisch te denken. Toen ik net van de middelbare school kwam, was ik nog getraind om naar één juist antwoord te zoeken. In die zin heeft PPE mijn blik verruimd. Ik sta nu veel meer open voor verschillende ideeën en ik weet dat complexe problemen ruimte laten voor meer dan één oplossing. Dit was in het begin frustrerend, maar nu ben ik erg dankbaar, omdat het mijn manier van denken volledig heeft veranderd.”

“The first thing I would say is, to not be scared that in some courses, in the beginning,things might be difficult and hard to connect. The first year courses lay out the foundations, which are necessary for the following years. It might be disorienting, erratic and maybe you’re a bit lost. In the second and third year, and during your exchange, you realize how important your first year was. Maybe it is a bit cheesy, but my second advise to cultivate as many friendships in the programme as you can. The people who are selected really come from such incredible backgrounds and have so much to say. Engage in discussions about school outside of school, with a different type of pressure. Make the best out of these years, because undergrad is honestly the best time you can have, in Amsterdam especially, in PPE with some of the junior lecturers and professors you have. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it. Although it might be difficult sometimes, it can bring you anywhere you want.” Laura is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Oxford University. Read more about her reflections on PPE and her future ambitions in this interview.

Iza, tweedejaarsstudent PPE verteld:

Om het hele interview te lezen van Iza klik je hier.