1. What was your favorite subject during your student years?
    I really enjoyed the lectures on Philosophy by Professor Jos Decorte. With philosophical pedagogy, I had more of a love-hate relationship during my student years—the “love” part started here. StartFragment

2. Did you ever fail an exam? If so, which subject?
    In my first year, I got a 9/20 for the course Fundamental Pedagogy. I was quite radical in translating what I thought was the core of that course into practice—namely that after postmodernism, one could no longer decide for others what should be passed on. It’s     also possible that I didn’t fully grasp the essence of the course. Fortunately, it was my only failed exam in the first year, and I was deliberated.

3. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done to relieve study stress?
    I can’t really remember doing anything strange. I usually stopped studying on time so there was still time to have an ice cream in the evening sun.

4. What was your most memorable student experience?
    I really enjoyed student housing life—that’s one big memorable experience. At our wedding, my housemates sang: “cucumber through the air, that’s what he was known for” to the tune of Manuela by Jacques Herb. No further explanation. 

5. Did you ever have a student job? What was it?
    From the age of 15, I worked weekends and holidays in the hospitality sector. During my student years, I ran a cafeteria together with my then-girlfriend (and now wife!) at the campsite of the Lilse Bergen—an amazing campsite in the forest. We had a great     time there. 

6. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
    The advice I often give others, I would also give myself: invest in what you enjoy and what you’re good at.

 7. If you hadn’t become a professor, what would you be doing now?
    I can still see myself ending up (again) in the hospitality sector someday.

 8. What was your first thought today?
    No idea anymore—already forgotten. I assume it wasn’t world-shaking.

 9. What is your favorite book, and why?
    I always look forward to new books by Jonas Jonasson. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is a great mix of the kind of humor I appreciate and a touch of history.

 10. What music or artist do you like? Do you have a favorite song?
    I enjoy many kinds of music, especially live performances. This summer you’ll likely find me at Gladiolen, Graspop, Sjock, and Reggae Geel—conveniently all festivals within cycling distance from my home. Volbeat usually cheers me up.

 11. If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be and why?
    No one—there are still plenty of fascinating people alive to meet.

12. What is a travel destination on your bucket list?
    Driving through the Australian outback in a 4x4 camper, preferably from Perth to Darwin. 

13. What is your favorite way to spend a free Sunday?
    Getting up early, going to the bakery, having a relaxed breakfast, jogging in the forest with my wife, watching my daughter’s basketball game, and ending the day with a barbecue with the neighbors.

14. What is the most interesting thing you’ve recently learned (outside your field)?
    Some time ago, I (re)started playing the guitar. There’s still plenty of room for improvement.

15. What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
    Travelling with my family in a mini campervan from Darwin to Melbourne. 

16. What is your most cherished possession?
    All the clichés apply here.

17. How do you unwind?
    At the barbecue.

18. Do you have a hidden talent your students don’t know about?
    I hope so—I prefer to keep it hidden.

19. When you look to the future, what do you see?
    The future smiles upon us (see below). 

20. What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
    I learned it from a French teacher in secondary school: “Il faut penser avec pessimisme mais toujours agir avec optimisme.”