EVELINE VAN EERD

After high school, Eveline decided that she wanted to work in the public health sector and started her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at the Technical University in Munich. There, she quickly became the class representative and president of two University groups and the Amnesty International Student Group Munich. She also works as a health policy advisor for the Bayrische Landtag (Bavarian Government) and she is active as a chair in the European Youth Parliament.

“It is time to start listening to the new generation.”

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I currently live in Germany. It is a very organized but also an overly bureaucratic country. It may be one of the richest countries in the world, but when it comes to digitalization and innovation it has a lot to learn from other great nations. One example would be the Netherlands, which is where I am originally from. 

One could argue that it is one of (if not) the best country in the world. It is small, has lots of open-minded and liberal people, is at the top when it comes to innovation and has a great education system. Still, a few problems remain. (Systemic) racism, homelessness and radical organizations are embedded in the daily life of the Netherlands. So, is there a perfect country you may ask? 

Switzerland could be the answer in your mind. I've lived there for 10 years and can tell you, that the perfect picture can be deceiving. The legal and democratic system is very complicated and not at all efficient, racism is still happening all over the country, and being rich is not the standard (contrary to the belief of many outsiders).

Q: What was your experience of the global pandemic crisis? Did it change your life and/or your views about the world? If so, how?

Since I am a student who lives alone in a country that is far away from the rest of my family, I can confirm that the global pandemic has had a big impact on my mental health. Fortunately, Germany has a very good health care system, thus I do not have to worry about not getting the medical attention I need should the occasion arise, but being alone and isolated for over a year is not something I wish on other people. My days are filled with Zoom sessions, screen time and the occasional home workout. Repeat. Seeing peers at university, going to a museum or just hanging out at the park in the evening are not possible anymore. And yet, I feel like as a global society, we have increased our social bond by inventing all these creative tools to stay in touch with friends and family. I believe that this pandemic is not over yet, but at the end of it all, we will have gained so much knowledge about ourselves (even if it was involuntary) and our relationship to others.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

There are many challenges the world is facing at the moment. For me, the main focus is on health. One big issue I would like to tackle is health education. Many children do not get the health education they need, be it on mental health, sex education or just basic hygiene principles. Educating those children on these important topics would be a big step in the right direction for them and their community. It can evolve how they act in their environment and improve their overall health enormously.

Q: Can you share with us some of the hurdles that you have had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

I have struggled a lot with my mental health. This is a topic I usually don't discuss in public, but I think that it is time to finally get rid of the stigma surrounding it. Depressive episodes are something I have been experiencing since I was 14 years old. For a long time, I was ashamed and did not seek the help I needed. Now, I am going to therapy and getting the medication I need, which is nothing to feel guilty about. When you have a headache you take paracetamol, when your serotonin isn’t where it should be you take a SSRI.

Q: If you were to ask one thing from our current leaders, what would it be?

To finally start working together in the interest of the people. The feeling I and a lot of other young people are getting is that these leaders are leading with their own agenda in mind, instead of working for the good of the citizens of their country. It is time to start listening to the new generation, take the climate crisis seriously and work on global solutions for the travel/retail/gastronomy industries in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

Being in your twenties is a great but also scary experience. You have all these goals and are working so hard to get an education, but have no idea how the corporate world actually works or how to grow your network. This is something my mentor is helping me with. Without her, I would not know where to start and would probably get very overwhelmed with all the endless possibilities.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

If the role requires something you are not yet able to do, just say yes anyway. You can learn it along the way.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

Amnesty International! I have been a volunteer for them since I was 15 years old and am still very active as the University Group President in my city. They do some amazing work regarding human rights worldwide and deserve all the praise they can get.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women are still not as present in politics as I would like them to be. Luckily, the younger generation and the youth factions of many of the ruling parties are organizing events specifically for women in politics and are changing the standards in their committees and boards.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

The poem "Colors" by Whitni Thomas. It really resonates with my being a person who has lived in many countries and communities and doesn't feel at home at any specific place just yet.

Q: Can you share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about? 

A dream of mine would be to found an NGO in the health education sector.