My first week as an intern at Designers against AIDS is already over and I can’t believe how fast it went. They say time flies when you are having fun, well... I completely agree. After one week I already learned a lot about the ‘real’ world. The first day I came here I was quite nervous, to say the least. I didn’t really know what to expect since this is my first internship ever. However, as my day went by and all of sudden it was time to go home, I felt ridiculous for being so nervous since there was absolutely no need to be stressed out. Ninette -the founder and creative director of DAA- and her husband Peke are lovely people and after a week I feel comfortable being here. At noon, we lunch together and talk about work and of course also about less serious things.

I have my own desk in an awesome space, but it still feels like being in a home. I wish I lived here in the education centre; this house is seriously one of a kind! And then I haven’t even said anything about the windows and the view. Through big round windows I can see a basketball field where teenagers often play and come together, absolutely lovely to see. Behind the field you can see Rivierenhof, which is the biggest park in Antwerp, where you can walk around and relax. This is absolutely a must-see when you get the chance to visit Antwerp.

You know what’s an even better idea? Come work here as a volunteer too and enjoy all the perks of that! Volunteering for a good cause is the most amazing you can do: you can help people and create campaigns to raise awareness while building up work experience. I got to write several articles in English, assisted a photo-shoot, washed and folded hundreds of DAA t-shirts (more about that very soon!) and got to know amazing people. Besides amazing people, there are also five amazing cats. And yes I have one favourite: Ziggy! Whenever I’m sitting somewhere, he always looks at me and asks to be petted; I really wish I could take this cutie home with me, since I really am a cat lover. Thank heavens I still have 7 weeks to pet him a bit more and to learn and experience new things. I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks!