Liesje is a Research Master graduate in Behavioural Sciences and an AFY alumna from the 2018 cohort. She assists the AFY program with research and the Study and Career Guidance program. In addition to working part-time at the University of Aruba, she also serves as a researcher for the Department of Culture in Aruba.She aspires to pursue a PhD focused on human development in Aruba and genuinely enjoys offering a helping hand wherever it is needed. Liesje values the importance of mixed methods in research and strives to make a meaningful difference with the knowledge she gains. She is passionate about linking academic findings to practical implications and is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Her daily mission is to keep learning, broaden her knowledge, and help others become the best version of themselves. A curious individual who is always smiling, Liesje welcomes connection—so if you see her around, feel free to say hi. Fun fact: Her official name is Maria-Liz.