It is my dream that every student entering Higher Education who is motivated and gifted can join an honors program (or college). I believe a good learning environment creates excellent students. Site visiting can help every honor program to evoke excellence among faculty, administers and students.

I am an educator. I believe people enjoy learning and appreciate learning during their entire lives. For my site visiting is a life long learning process. I give people a safe haven and space to develop, to learn and to bring out the best in them. I support the idea that people should express themselves creatively, that they travel in order to discover their world, and thus be able to form their own ideas. International contacts are in my eyes a guide to forming wisdom. We are in need of world citizens committed to make a difference. International site visiting can underline this vision.

My teaching is filled with stories, based on research, and is focused on personal freedom and growth. Autonomy, competency and relationships are central in my teaching. Professor and student carry a shared responsibility. Honors teaching can be challenging, surprising, fun and sets high standards. Site visiting can shine new lights on existing curricula.

I do research (PhD), and publish work. I am part of an international community, which is actively involved in research into (honors) education. I am respected for my knowledge and capabilities. I enjoy establishing and maintaining contacts in order to learn together, and pass this knowledge on. Cooperation is a source of pleasure for me. All the exciting activities within education test my tenacity because my focus on writing for high ranked journals (PhD) diminished, but now I am on track again. I enjoy writing and feel it is important to publish my work. The goal of my research is to promote educational contexts within which people enjoy learning, are motivated and strive for excellence. Site visiting can help honors to be ongoing and dynamic so the spin off to the regular program sparks all students.

I enjoy organizing and initiating extra activities. I aim my work is productive, that students, professors and supporting staff feel valued. I shape the different aspects of my work with care and respect – teaching, faculty development, development of honors programs, consultations and my research. I challenge people so that it may promote growth. Sometimes I may be too direct and a Dutch ‘aunt’. Site visiting is my commitment to the inviting institution – helping by giving feedback.

Love is my key to life. I am committed to the people around me and deal carefully with my promises, although sometimes I say ‘yes’ too often. I highly respect my parents and cherish my friends. I love horseback riding, walking, and enjoy traveling. I believe in God, regularly go to Church, and discuss this with others. I have the courage to stand up for myself and for my loved ones. Site visiting is a way to use my gifts to encourage others.

I am the mother of Marek, Mere and Renard. I joke with them, hug and go for walks with them. Sanne is my loving husband and I support him with all due respect. We are together as a family, laugh a lot, are outside often, and everyone is of equal importance. We live in a beautiful house filled with history which we share with others. I am proud of the fact that we have managed to form an involved and active family. Site visiting is my contribution to tomorrow’s world.

Marca Wolfensberger, September 2008