In this edition, Jamie Hoeben is interviewed by Harm Zoet.
Harm: Welcome to the interview, can you tell me something about your position at UTLC?
Jamie: The UTLC (University of Twente Language Centre) offers language courses in Chinese, Spanish, Dutch and English, among others. In addition, our Writing Centre supports students and also staff/PhDs in academic writing, wherever point they are at in this process. For example, you can think of writing style and intonation. An example is our 3-day Thesis Boost course where students write their thesis under the guidance of a trainer and peer tutors. We also have a Skills Lab, which prepares students for their careers. We give workshops such as Pitch Perfect and LaTeX. We also offer a Japanese Language and Culture workshop.
I work in the back office for the Writing Centre, Skills Lab and handle communications as well as the open days. I think giving more publicity to the UTLC is important because it is not always easy to find for staff and students.
Harm: So, what do you do during a workday, and what makes this job so fun?
Jamie: I guide the complete process from the moment a course needs to be scheduled (contact with teachers), to the moment a student or staff member enrols.
I love language, and I also enjoy working with students. Language is so beautiful because it is always changing. Good language skills are very important to me. I also enjoy creating well-written texts on social media and raising awareness about this.
Harm: Is there anything else you would like to share with colleagues about UTLC?
Jamie: The UTLC offers a Translating & Editing service, where internal communication texts can be checked. I think this really adds value by preventing mistakes.
Harm: Enough about work, could you tell us something about yourself?
Jamie: I am 30 years old and have been married to Thijs for 5 years. I have 2 children, Benjamin aged 4 and Valentine aged 1. The arrival of my children has completely changed my life. What often goes unmentioned is that besides being the most wonderful thing that has happened to me, it can also be very hard at the same time. I think this is sometimes underestimated. That contradiction is beautiful but can sometimes be difficult.
Harm: Could you tell us something about your roots?
Jamie: I am a purebred from Oldenzaal. I grew up there, I have my social life there and I really enjoy living there. I still even live in the same neighbourhood where I grew up! A fun anecdote: Benjamin's teacher was also my primary school teacher 26 years ago. It is a very small world!
Harm: What does your ideal holiday look like?
Jamie: I'm not the type for long-distance travel, but I love going to southern Europe. It just mustn’t be too hot. For example, last May I went to Lake Maggiore (Italy) with my family. It was lovely there, wonderfully sunny, and green at the same time. I also find the mountains there very impressive. Of course, I ate a lot of pizza and pasta there and gelato (ice cream) as well. My ideal holiday is still a bit luxurious; you won't see me in a tent at a campsite any time soon.
Harm: Lastly, can you tell us something about your hobbies?
Jamie: I am a big metal fan. From childhood, I grew up with this. In my youth, I was gothic and sometimes I felt like an outsider (in a good way). Funnily enough, metal music actually calms me down. What I find really cool is the togetherness at a metal concert. It’s a very friendly community of misfits together!
Harm: Thank you for your time, Jamie, it was my pleasure!
