![Student ambassador Raechel presenting for primary school children](/sites/corporate/files/styles/responsive_w50/public/2024-05/aop-connecting-with-the-city.jpg.webp?itok=toJDADPl)
“Growth happens outside our comfort zone. But not in the panic zone! When we find ourselves in heated situations, it’s important to be able to maintain a brave space in that ‘in-between stretch zone’ that is meant for growth.”
This July we worked with ECHO, Expertisecentrum Diversiteitsbeleid, to deliver a workshop for student team captains of the Pre Academic Programme (PAP), the summer school Erasmus University Rotterdam offers to first year bachelor students to help them prepare for their very first academic year. The team captains have a very important task to help these students develop study skills and goals, and make sure they get to know the academic culture, and their fellow students.
The workshop focused on brave space: understanding its principles, the difference between brave and safe space, and the conditions for it. In a safe space, team members feel free to share their thoughts and ideas. But, to create meaningful change, it is important to create brave spaces where individuals feel comfortable being vulnerable and encouraged to engage in difficult conversations.
The workshop strengthened the insights and skills of team captains, so that they can lead the brave space assignment for PAP students. The Pre Academic Programme is coordinated by Rowan Beijk-Huijgen and Jorian Waleson and started on July 29th and will run till August 16th.
A warm welcome to all new students participating!