Alumni Spotlight: Ismène Elbers, ES Mol alumna 1970s

In 1976 at the age of six, I started school at ES Mol with my younger sister and brother. My father believed that children should have an international outlook – a European community where everyone could co-exist and thrive was his dream.

The school had a big impact on my life. I learned English at ES Mol which enabled me to work in different cultures, sectors and countries, while broadening my horizons and showing me how to respect differences without any prejudices.

One of the moments that I still remember vividly is the official opening of a new school building. I was asked to sing in front of King Boudewijn and Queen Fabiola at the age of six! That’s when I decided and promised myself to become a singer, dancer and an actress.

I loved the freedom we were given at ES Mol to be who we wanted to be. It opened my heart and mind and made me a curious learner who never stopped asking questions.

I now run my own production company and creative practice where I coach young talent to achieve their life goals and professional ambitions. I am also a board member of Tulip Peer2Peer Learning Network (www.clockyourskills.com), and creativity coach for teachers and students.

Thanks to my time at ES Mol, I carry the words of Jean Monnet, the “Father of Europe”, in my heart:

“Educated side by side, untroubled from infancy by divisive prejudices, acquainted with all that is great and good in the different cultures, it will be borne in and upon them as they mature that they belong together.

Without ceasing to look to their own lands with love and pride, they will become in mind Europeans, schooled and ready to complete and consolidate the work of their fathers before them, to bring into being a united and thriving Europe.”