What made you choose this degree programme?
I chose RePIC because the programme brings together exactly the topics that are really close to my heart: sustainable urban development, social justice and design in urban spaces. Over the past few years, I have worked as a multidisciplinary designer - from interior to product to UX design - and realised how fascinated I am by the social and spatial challenges of our cities. RePIC feels like the logical next step for me to further deepen this interest and help shape concrete change.
In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?
RePIC is a degree programme that offers you an incredible number of opportunities - but it very much depends on what you make of it. A lot of initiative is required, both in terms of content and organisation. At the beginning, I had hoped that we would get closer to political or urban planning decision-makers in order to help shape direct change. This proximity often remains theoretical - but I am still very grateful for what I have learnt so far. It is precisely because many things are not predetermined that you learn to position yourself, set topics and take responsibility for your own learning process.
Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?
What I enjoy most is the exchange with the people on the programme - both with my fellow students and with the lecturers. I have met inspiring personalities here with whom I share a common vision for a better future - or with whom I enter into dialogue about why we have different perspectives. I find these conversations particularly enriching because they broaden my horizons. Each person brings their own story, expertise and strength, and that's what makes learning in the RePIC context so exciting for me.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
In addition to the transition from working to studying and the intensive study of theory, navigating the bureaucratic hurdles was a challenge that accompanied me during the first few months. Fortunately, I was able to count on support, but it showed me how important it is to deal with such difficulties and not get discouraged.
What would you like to become after completing your degree?
With the RePIC Master I want to focus on placemaking, co-creation and participatory urban planning. My goal is to design cities that meet the needs of their citizens, in the spirit of feminist urbanism. I would like to work on projects that create space for communities and actively involve them in shaping their environment. Over time, it will become increasingly clear in which direction I want to develop - the more I delve into the subject, the more opportunities open up.
Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?
My tip would be that RePIC requires a lot of initiative. You have to be prepared to engage with the topics independently and take responsibility for your own learning development. The programme offers a unique opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, but it is important to stay active and self-motivated to make the most of it.
