Chapter 1: Introduction

 “Daniël Pitti…with 49 points Graduated from Arthur Alex Hoogendoorn Atheneum”. 

I remember it being a sunny day, all the parents were gathered and nervously waiting for the results of their children. To be honest, I was quite disappointed with my results, because I really wanted at least 50 out of 70 points. But things don't always work out and that's more than ok. I remember enjoying the moments afterwards, where we celebrated the fact that all of us (all my friends) graduated. We ended our "Athe" journey with our graduation ceremony and an after-party in the famous club "Asia de Su" in Suriname.

After some weeks in Suriname, it was time for the next step in life… Moving to Amsterdam (Netherlands), leaving my family behind and continuing my journey. I never really knew what I wanted to do in life… To be honest, being 18 years old and deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life is quite hard, especially if you don’t have the desire to become a specific profession, like a doctor for example.… However, I believe that you can always find your purpose along the journey, because honestly it will not always be clear from the beginning… Though having sort of a vision, bringing together ideas and being cautious along the journey will definitely help.

I therefore decided to do a bachelor in ‘Finance and Control’ as the study was broad and could push me in different directions.

Giving up wasn't an option, as it costs lots of money to study abroad for Surinamese passport holders… I remember my family saying that I need to complete at least 1 year before even deciding this study or life was not for me. Looking back, that was quite some pressure, but good pressure! We tend to give up easily, not knowing how much the investment is and also the fact that we are so spoiled in Suriname. Don’t get me wrong it’s a big adjustment going from living with your family, everything being done for you, having limited to no responsibilities to suddenly doing everything by yourself. 

But I somehow managed to make something out of this (student)life in the Netherlands. One of my main goals was to learn lots of different and new things and meet a lot of new people. Meeting new people will give you the ability to look at things differently and also make you realize that everyone has a story they are carrying with them along the journey… The journey, we call life. Up until now, I’ve met many different people… people who I call good friends, people who’ve touched my heart in an inexplicable way and people who I sadly do not speak to anymore. Believe me… I’ve seen the devil in the most angelic faces, which I will elaborate on more in the next chapters.

Looking back and reflecting on life, I’ve noticed that I like people around me. Sometimes it can be draining because I’m not always in the mood and somewhat introvert. But overall, I like to host, arrange everything and make sure everyone has a good time. 

I even had times where I didn't want to go home and be alone… It was a super weird feeling…later I came to the conclusion that I wanted to escape a certain feeling… a confrontation… It got so bad that I got hooked……I truly hope that after publishing all my blog chapters, this will be all over….

I must admit that as the years went by I really learned more about myself and who I truly am. I think it's important and the most beautiful thing to have an answer to the question: ‘Who Am I Really?’

A lot happened in my life before moving to the Netherlands. I’ve lost very important people and during my time here, the same occurred and that was not only because they passed away, but because I evolved as a person. Throughout the years I've realized that it's really ok to let certain things and people go. It's really ok to go your own way and do what truly makes you happy. I must say that I still lack in doing so at times, but it's an ongoing process. I've grown to realize that setting boundaries is one of the most important things in life.But sometimes there is an easier escape……..

Looking back, I do not know why I was given this life and was offered the opportunities that came along the way. Personally, I think I deserve it and believe my family worked very hard to give me this life. I, myself, have also worked really hard for it. Doing things with good intentions, surrounding yourself with positivity, being positive yourself and taking care of others, will bring lots of good back. But I know…life isn’t always that easy…..
But one thing is for sure, It is really important to be true to yourself and to treat people with the same respect you want to be treated with.

Enjoying every moment of the journey and being grateful in the end is all that matters. In the next chapters I will share my journey from the moment I arrived in the Netherlands up until present day. It will be a rollercoaster of emotions…exposing myself, sharing joyful, grateful, stressful moments…. And moments which I wish never happened… In the final chapter, my question to you will be….’ Was it all worth it or should I have done it all differently?’ Because I think I would…….