This week marks 34 years since my job interview at Observant. The interview took place in the Feestzaal on Bouillonstraat. I was nervous, sitting in that grand room with two experienced journalists who didn’t hesitate to ask tough questions. But on the train back to Nijmegen, the city where I’d studied, I felt mostly optimistic. That feeling turned out to be justified; a few weeks later, I was proud to call myself an editor at Observant. I planned to stay in Maastricht for about five years, thinking that would be a good amount of time, before seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
Life had other plans
As is so often the case, life had other plans. This week, I’m celebrating my 65th birthday. After about five years as an editor, I became editor-in-chief, a position I’ve now held for over 28 years. I stayed. For love, for the joy of living in and around Maastricht, and because the job is never dull. Journalists enjoy a lot of freedom here, and there’s never a shortage of interesting topics and fascinating people at this university (as at any). Moreover, the Observant team has always felt like family to me, a warm and welcoming community. And it still does.
That’s not to say everyone has always been pleased with our work. Especially in the past, university administrators were often less than thrilled with our articles. But that’s part and parcel of independent journalism. In fact, it’s when we receive praise from the administration that we begin to feel suspicious. Are we doing our jobs properly? Are we being critical enough?
Take the helm and face the winds
This will be a significant year for me. On 1 June 2025, I’ll pass on the role of editor-in-chief to my colleague, Wendy Degens. I do so with full conviction. It feels like the right time for me to let someone else take the helm and face the winds, whether gentle spring breezes or severe autumn storms. I’m looking forward to focusing on my own articles again, returning to the core of the craft for a few more years.
Confidence
I’m stepping down with complete confidence in my successor. WD isn’t just a highly experienced journalist who stands her ground, but she also has a vast network, a keen understanding of university politics, and a strong rapport with the team.
On 1 June 2025, we will swap places. It’ll be a big change for both of us. I’m determined not to get in her way. And if I ever do momentarily forget my new position, the rest of the Observant family will be there to gently bring me back in line.