Kato Van Lint

I am part of a health care organization committed to the well-being of elderly and vulnerable individuals. I learned a lot of things working with elderly:

• Proficiency in household management and organization
• Strong communication skills
• Compassionate and empathetic approach in providing emotional support and companionship
• Ability to manage time efficiently
• Understanding the needs and challenges, especially in patients with special needs or dementia
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate varying client needs and preferences

Over the years, I have developed ongoing relationships with several families for whom I provide babysitting services, including one with a child with disabilities. This experience brings me a lot of satifsfaction and has granted me various responsibilities from which I gained valuable insights and personal growth:

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of children requires a high level of responsibility
• Effectively communication with both children and parents is essential for a smooth babysitting experience
• The ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations
• Planning activities, meals, and bedtime routines
• Come up with fun and educational activities to keep children engaged
• Being able to adapt quickly and adjust to changing circumstance
• Showing understanding and empathy for the needs and feelings of children
• Making quick and well-thought-out decisions, especially in emergency situations
• Knowledge of basis first aid

At the age of 15, I began working at a restaurant in my hometown. When I moved to Maastricht for my studies, I started working at Ginger, a Chinese restaurant. Both jobs gave me the opportunity to develop a lot of new skills:

• Social interactions with costumers and creating a welcoming experience for them
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to take orders, answer questions, and handle complaints
• Ability to perform under pressure and multitask in a dynamic and busy environment
• Team player mentality
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of the business

I have been a leader at the local youth movement for several years. There I have learned to:

• Organize numerous activities for and with others
• Think out of the box and come with creative solutions
• Listen to others opinions, visions and beliefs, be empathic , be patient and handle conflicts
• Entertain children and develop engaging programs that promote teamwork
• Have a great responsibility and commitment to the safety and well-being of all members
• Develop great communication skills in both individual and group settings

During my second year of bachelor's studies, I completed a 4-week internship in the Urology department. This experience provided valuable insights into the role of a physician and enriched my skills and knowledge. Additionally, I had the opportunity to witness a groundbreaking moment when a television crew filmed a world-first 3D hydrogel prototype developed by doctor Koen van Renterghem in collaboration with a university from New York. It was during this moment I realized the significance of conducting research as an integral part of being a doctor, and I came to understand that the field of medicine never stands still.

Skills learned during this internship:

• Insight into medical procedures and protocols
• Enhanced understanding of urological care
• Improved communication with patients and medical staff
• Exposure to innovative medical technologies
• Performing medical procedures
• Adhering to hygiene measures in the operating room