Not too long ago, I found myself at a professional crossroads. After years of working in recruitment, helping people find meaningful careers, and navigating the complexities of the job market—especially as an international in the Netherlands—I began to feel a deeper question emerging:
What kind of future am I helping to build?
That question led me down a new path: sustainability. And not just any kind, but the kind that looks at systems as a whole—the kind that doesn’t stop at minimizing harm but focuses on regeneration. That’s what drew me to the field of circular bioeconomy.
The more I learned, the more I realized how powerful this concept is: transforming waste into new resources, mimicking the way nature operates. Imagine agricultural by-products or food waste being turned into bioplastics, renewable energy, or nutrients for new crops. In this vision, waste isn't the end of a cycle—it’s the beginning of a new one.
That idea connected with me deeply. Sustainability, for me, isn’t only about the environment. It’s about people. It’s about justice, equity, and dignity. It’s about creating systems where communities can thrive without degrading the planet. Where smallholder farmers don’t just get by—they earn a living income. Where businesses act responsibly not because they’re forced to, but because it’s the smartest, most future-proof thing they can do.
Changing careers wasn’t easy. Transitions rarely are. But I’ve brought with me everything I’ve learned—how to lead with empathy, how to build trust, how to work across cultures and disciplines. My background in recruitment gave me the tools to connect with people. Now I want to use those same tools to help design and support sustainable systems that serve both people and the planet.
Studying sustainability isn’t just an academic choice. It’s a personal commitment. A way to realign my work with my values. And a step toward building the future I truly believe in.
Thanks for reading. If you’re on a similar journey or simply curious, I’d love to connect on LinkedIn!
— Morena
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