PERSONAL PARTICULARS
Birth name : Desiree van den Berg
Birth Date: (age 23)
Birth place : Santpoort
Height : 1.76 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)
Weight: 59 kilos
Measurements: 90-66-94
Occupation: Student
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BIOGRAPHY:
INTERVIEW:
My family and I moved to the USA in 2002, where we've lived there for 5 years (I only lived there for 3 years since I had to start Medical School in the Netherlands). I have a very close and loving relationship with my father, mother, sister and brother; they mean the world to me. My parents wanted a baby so badly that they called me 'Desirée' which means 'to wish for' in French.
Describe your childhood when you were growing up from 8 to 13 years old.
I've always lived in Santpoort-Noord, a small village close to the beach and 20 minutes away from the capital city, Amsterdam. I've two loving parents and a younger sister and brother, with who I have a very caring relationship. So I'm the oldest at home which means I always take responsibility for my actions but also to push boundaries and make the way free for my siblings.
My parents always encouraged me to do this and taught me how to be assertive. I've always been given a lot of freedom because I had my own bike and could go to my friends, family and sport clubs by myself. Since I was 6 years old I played field hockey and I still enjoy it to this day. During my childhood I've also played tennis, classical ballet, swimming, gymnastics and ballroom dancing.
What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
My parents have always taught me to work hard for the things you really want, and by doing so you can make your dreams come true. I've never been a shy girl because they taught me how to be assertive. Also, I'm not afraid of what people might think of me. I believe it's a waste of time to worry about what people might think of you and not living your life the way you actually would want to live it.
I have learned how to create opinions about things by studying it and see the subject from different angles and not only by listening to what other people say about it. My parents have always encouraged me to study very hard. If it wasn't for their support and encouragement, I might never have gotten into Medical School and find my goal in life which is to help people who are in need.
What is your most memorable moment?
When I just turned 18, I decided to move back to the Netherlands after living in the USA for 3 years in order to start medical school in Amsterdam. Because my parents had to stay in America for 2 more years, I had to live with my grandmother for the time being. She welcomed me in her house and gave me the much needed love while being away from my parents, sister and brother. She taught me a lot of wise lessons, like to always follow your dreams even though people are against it. It is your life and only you can decide what makes you happy.
One year later, after I graduated from Luzac College (a private, Dutch High School), I learned that I got accepted into Medical School at the University of Amsterdam. This is the best University of the Netherlands and I remember it very well. I didn't know if I should cry of laugh, I was just overwhelmed by happiness.
What is your environmental advocacy?
We, human beings, should use water in a proper way, without spilling huge amounts or misusing all around the world.
And of course water concerns me in my work as a doctor. Water and health is undeniablly connected. If everyone around the world would be able to drink and use clean water properly, we would prevent a lot of illness, sorrow and even death.
I wish one day soon everybody around the world will be able, just like myself in the Netherlands, to drink and enjoy the one thing we need so badly without getting sick because of it: Clean water!
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