My Blog
I’m Jeanmiree van der Werf
My dad’s stories sparked my imagination, and my husband’s belief in me reignited my courage. After years of doubt, I’m finally embracing my fearless eight-year-old self. I’m done playing small—ready to shine (metaphorically, of course). Let’s grow and dream big together!
Big Bad Brown Book
My mom's cousin gave me this book when I was 7. I loved reading it as a child because it had so many pictures on every page and was easy to read. One day, I took it to school, and I wanted the teacher to read a story or two in class. I remembered the teacher looking...
Random Book Review
Doing book reviews again! This year, I want to read more. Doesn't matter what; I just want to read. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Right now, I'm reading anything under the bookshelf of my little sister's desk (my desk, too!). Why this...
Everyone Tap In. Let’s See You At 21
Querido diario, Papiamento, claro cu si! Mi sa, e titulo ta zona straño y porta bo ta custuma lesa mi storianan na Ingles, pero e aña aki mi a dicidi di reta mi mes door di skirbi mas contenido na Papiamento. Mi ta bayendo un curso tur diasabra di Papiamento. Ayera mi...
Do you dare…?
Dear Diary, It's been a few (crazy) months since I last wrote you. A lot has happened. My four blank walls and (mostly) myself have decided not to wait any longer and to just pour it out. I came to you the most this year when my head was packed and I had "negative"...
La Cosa Mas Bella
When I was about seven years old, my mom bought a CD, also known as a compact disc. It was very popular in the 90's. This time, she brought home the CD of this man who sung strangely. I couldn't stand his voice, but my parents seemed to love him. "What was wrong with...
Tijd Voor de Billeshake
Disclaimer: If you are closed-minded, see things only in black and white, and lack critical thinking, this article is probably not for you. But if you disagree, please share your thoughts with me. On an early Thursday, I put on the radio on my way to my mother's...
No Internationals (Sorry) (Part 2)
By the end of July, when it was almost time to leave, my sister was still without a roof above her head. For a moment, we did think we got help from an online consultant for students who also helps students with housing; in the end, they basically robbed my sister for...
No Internationals (sorry) (Part 1)
Yes, it's that time of the year again. Soon the big blue bird will take the kids on their new journey. You know how you always hear the characters complain in movies about leaving home, and how it will never be the same, and that everything will change? Well, they got...
When You Leave a Job
They say quitting a job is as painful as breaking up with a partner. The first time I heard that, I was baffled. I never could have imagined people comparing those things with each other. Work is work; you do a job and get paid for it. That was my initial thought. The...
I Named My Ken Doll After This Famous Mexican Actor
Last weekend I helped my mom with some mopping. I stalled as long as I could by scrolling through meaningless online content. Hoping that she wouldn't barge into the room screaming. She'll find out why it took me so long to finish while reading this story. I started...