I like to study. [Laughs] More than anything, I like to keep busy. That’s why I came to Maastricht; it’s the only place where you can do a dual bachelor’s degree in European Law and Dutch Law. The combination sounds more impressive than it actually is. You start with European Law, and Dutch Law comes in halfway through the second year. It’s incredibly hard work for a while – you practically live in the library and don’t have much of a social life – but after six months, that intense period is over.
Are you closer to your mother or your father? I have a good relationship with both parents. I go home to Helvoirt, where they live now, almost every weekend. I really enjoy it because my sisters are always there too. I’m the oldest of three. One sister studies in Amsterdam and the other still lives at home. We get on very well – we were never the kind of siblings who fought all the time. Sometimes my boyfriend comes along too, and my sister’s partner as well. It’s a lot of fun. Luckily, my parents have plenty of space.
"I’m very privileged, as a white Dutch person with two university-educated parents who earn a good living. I want to give something back"
Everyone should have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Absolutely. It’d be rather contradictory for me, as chair of Students for Equality, to say otherwise. We raise money to pay tuition fees for people who can’t afford to study at UM. Last year we helped students from Limburg; this year we’re focusing on young people from outside the European Union who want to study in Maastricht. Anyone can support us. In turn, we organise events like pub quizzes and games nights. I’m very privileged, as a white Dutch person with two university-educated parents who earn a good living. I want to give back to people who haven’t had the same opportunities.
What’s hard about love? There will always be little things, but in general I don’t find love all that complicated. Jochem and I are different and live very different lives, but we complement each other well. He’s training to be a primary school teacher in Helmond and is currently doing a placement in the first two years, which he absolutely loves. I spend most of my time on my laptop. We’ve been together since I was thirteen – we met at our badminton club. Over the years you grow alongside each other, and that creates a bond. Things feel very easy between us. With a strong foundation of friendship, the rest follows naturally.
Describe yourself as a child in five words. Oof, five? Well, definitely talkative, cheerful, stubborn. Let me think… what else? According to my parents, I was an easy child. I don’t remember doing anything particularly wild. I never had any reason to be difficult.
"Jochem is good at slowing me down – his greatest strength is that he’s very relaxed"
I’m a good friend… because I’m there for people. A phrase that has stayed with me is “Everyone wants a village, but no one wants to be a villager.” It means that sometimes you have to push through discomfort to be there for each other. I think it’s important to make that effort instead of always putting yourself first.
Never fly again or never eat meat again? [Thinks] I’m not very good at being a vegetarian, but I’d still give up meat. There are so many places in the world I still want to see, like Australia and New Zealand. You can only really get there by plane. I wouldn’t want to give up those experiences in advance, although I’d miss my bacon.
What’s your biggest fear? That life moves too fast and I forget to enjoy it. I’m so focused on what’s yet to come that I lose sight of the present sometimes. Every now and then, I need to remember to stop and look around me. Jochem is good at slowing me down – his greatest strength is that he’s very relaxed. My biggest weakness is that I always want better, always want more. I’d hate to die knowing there were things I could’ve enjoyed but didn’t.
"Sometimes I still expect to see a 15-year-old when I look in the mirror, I’m surprised to see a grown woman looking back at me"
I spend most of my money on… books! And rent. If you own five hundred books, you’ve basically got your own library – that’s my dream. I never throw books away. I even have a stamp that says, “This belongs to the library of Milou Scholten.” I’m building my own collection. I’m currently reading Breasts and Eggs, about three Japanese women around the age of forty reflecting on their lives and whether they want children. It’s quite heavy reading. I read lighter books as well, but never thrillers.
I dream of having a family of my own. I’m not sure. Jochem really likes children, but I’m very focused on my career. Having a family would affect that; it’d require some adjustment.
When was the last time you cried? After exam week, I cried with relief. All the built-up tension just came pouring out. Crying was never a taboo in our house; it’s always felt very normal to me. I don’t see it as anything particularly significant, or something to dwell on for long. Once it’s out, it’s done.
When I look in the mirror, I see… huge bags under my eyes, and how much concealer I need to cover them up. [Laughs] Apart from that, I see a woman. Sometimes I still expect to see a 15-year-old, but I’m not that age anymore. I forget sometimes, and then I’m surprised to see a grown woman looking back at me.