"I loved the atmosphere of the city. With the canals, old buildings, and cobblestones streets, it is an incredibly scenic place that looks like a picture from a postcard!"

Why I chose to study at Leiden University

I completed my undergraduate studies in Modern History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. However, I wished to continue following my lifelong passion for history. I was attracted to the high caliber of Leiden University as an academic institution, as well as its strong sense of history and tradition. 

In addition, studying at Leiden gave me the opportunity to study and live in Europe. I have always wanted to live in a non-English speaking country on the European continent, and Leiden allowed me to do this while pursuing my academic interests in English.

Finally, I loved the atmosphere of the city itself. With the canals, old buildings, and cobblestones streets, it is an incredibly scenic place that looks like a picture from a postcard!

My Leiden experience

Academically, I was able to study areas of history that fascinate me. I had an awesome thesis supervisor who pushed me tremendously and gave me insight that will undoubtedly help me in my future working career.

Outside of my studies, I enjoyed riding my bike around the city, learning to speak Dutch, and meeting friends for borrel in the city’s cafes. Due to the university’s diverse makeup of students, I was fortunate to make friends of many different nationalities and backgrounds. This was a major highlight of my time in Leiden.

In addition to interacting with people all over the world, I was able to to explore The Hague, Amsterdam, and Utrecht. I also used Leiden’s proximity to Schiphol Airport to visit friends (some of whom I met in Leiden) in Germany, Belgium, the U.K., Norway, and Austria. 

What are you doing now?

After I left the Netherlands in August 2017, I moved to Washington, D.C., where I currently work in the U.S. House of Representatives . I assist the congressman and his legislative staff, and I help constituents with legislative concerns and requests for things such as tours of the White House and Capitol. Working on Capitol Hill can be intense at times, but it is also extremely rewarding. 

Washington, D.C. is a fun city to live in, as it provides the activities and vibrancy of a big city while being small enough to not feel overwhelmed by the size. I still use a bike to get around, a habit that I inherited from my time in Leiden!

My reasons for becoming a Leiden University Ambassador

I want to give back to Leiden University by representing them here in the U.S. I hope to be able to help prospective students and to foster an alumni network in Washington and the entire U.S.