Milou: “Studying is still often a privilege’’

Milou is learning a great deal during her studies. For example, she has had the opportunity to take part in the Model European Parliament, in which young people simulate the European Parliament. She has also gone on an exchange to Vienna and completed an internship at the international law firm Taylor Wessing. But she learns most of all from her fellow students, especially when it comes to inequality of opportunity.

Milou: “I acknowledge my privileges as a European. For instance, students from outside Europe often pay significantly higher tuition fees. They also have a maximum of one year after graduating in the Netherlands to find work. At the moment, usually only non-EU students with wealthy parents can afford to study here. I think that is unfair, because everyone deserves that opportunity – regardless of where you come from or what your parents earn. I want to contribute to greater equality in education.”

For Milou, it was a natural step to join Students for Equality. When her housemate and co-founder Medha told her about it, she was immediately excited. She explains: “Students for Equality is an initiative in which students raise money to pay the tuition fees of people who cannot afford to study at Maastricht University.”

Milou has been the chair since the start of this academic year, although she prefers to call herself the “driving force”. The student team has all kinds of ideas for fun, accessible fundraising activities – from sip & paint sessions to clothing swaps. Milou: “So far, we have mostly organised bake sales, for example during Halloween. We try to plan something every month.”

But does a bake sale really make a difference? “Last time, we raised around 150 euros. That may not seem like much, but we believe that every little bit helps and that this is only the beginning. And for us, it is also about raising awareness of inequality of opportunity among students. Through our activities, we highlight the issue in a positive and engaging way.”

Milou certainly has no shortage of ambition. Milou: “My friends, parents and boyfriend sometimes say that I take on too much, but I think it is worth it. Working for a good cause gives me energy, and as chair I have a very diverse role. I am learning to listen even better, to connect, and to think in a solution-oriented way: exactly the skills I will need later as a lawyer. And to me, empathy does not just mean being compassionate, but above all taking action.”


Text: Milou Schreuders
Photography: Joris Hilterman