Humans of Wing Chun:
Claudia Harleman

Studying and entrepreneurship

I became a mother when I was seventeen. My son's father was not in the picture, so I raised him alone.

I was still in high school at the time. I actually wanted to study psychology after my Athenaeum. However, I did not seem to be able to combine this intensive study with a job and caring for my son. That's why I chose to study tourism management in Amsterdam, a shorter and less intensive study that matched my passion for travel. On the days that I had lectures, my son and I took the train from Leiden to Amsterdam. While I was taking classes, he stayed at the daycare center across from my school.

In addition to my son, I have also become the proud mother of a daughter. As a single mother, I noticed how difficult it can be to find a good work-life balance. I had to combine caring for my children with my work, making sure that I could pick the children up from daycare on time after work so that I could spend some time with them before they went to bed. But when my position at work became redundant, I decided to take a new direction and became self-employed. When I was twenty-two, I started a temporary employment agency, which fortunately also gave me more flexibility to be there for my children.

People and nature, a source of inspiration

If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am loving. I am happiest when I spend time with the people I love. For example, I really enjoy traveling with my children; Hawaii is my favorite destination. It is such a beautiful island! The nature, the people, the pure way of life. You are always out there and that gives me so much energy!

Nelson Mandela is a great example for me. He has had such a tough life and yet remained so strong. The willpower he shows shows that you have the choice to make something of your life, to continue and fight for something. That is really a reminder for me in daily life.