Berber: ‘I like doing new and different things’
Throughout the year, master's student Berber Kommerij is busy analysing medieval and early modern books and paintings. Every summer, however, she leaves for the Norwegian fjords to conduct sea kayaking tours. 'Watersports are my great love.'
What program are you enrolled in?
'I am now in the third semester of the Research Master’s in Arts, Literature and Media. Before this, I studied Art History in Leiden, and still specialise in art, but I also wanted to explore other disciplines and develop myself further. This master's offers me that. That is also one of the reasons why I ventured into LEAP (Leiden Elective Academic Programme, an elective course in which a group of master's students each write an article and compile it into an academic publication, Ed.), where I was introduced to other disciplines and areas of expertise. It is these new insights that help me further in my own research.'
What do you do to relax?
'I like rowing, and I do that at the K.S.R.V. Njord. I also did competitive rowing for some time. I wanted to combine my love of water sports with a summer job, but I wasn’t interested in working in a beach bar. Through a friend, I came into contact with a Norwegian entrepreneur who was looking for people for his outdoor company, and now I travel to Norway every summer to guide groups on sea kayaks across the fjords. Participants learn to kayak along the way. I think it's perfect: I'm on the water and I get to be outdoors a lot.'
Are there things you learned from your studies that you can also apply in the Norwegian fjords, or vice versa?
'Not every trip through the fjords is the same, even if you know the route. The work calls for a lot of flexibility and good communication. These skills come in handy in my studies, as does leadership. Conversely, the academic knowledge I gain about art and literature at university in turn helps me in guiding groups. For instance, I talk about Norse myths, the Eddas and all kinds of folk tales from the area, which are often related to the amazing nature we’re sailing through.'
What is your favourite place in Norway?
'That would have to be a local pub where we go with a group of colleagues once a week. They have a karaoke night there every Wednesday and it's very relaxing to sing songs together. It makes for a close and friendly community with seasonal workers from all over the world.'
And here in Leiden?
'I sometimes find it hard to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, so then I cycle towards the sea on my racing bike. It's not really Leiden, but it's very close and I can really enjoy how nice and quiet it is there.'