Founder Wesley Balnikker and Mom Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

bb nation
talks

11/05/2022 4 min read

Describe Wesley when he was younger?

Els: Very energetic, a bit rebellious, self-willed, but always positive. Wesley accepted people the way they were and had many friendships. He was always busy and engaged. School was less interesting to Wes. School was a requirement, but not his favourite place to be.

Why did you not enjoy your school years?

Wesley: I attended school because I didn't know what I wanted to do. So I finished secondary school and continued with another course because I still didn't know exactly what I wanted to become. I just kept on trying things out. But eventually you get to a point when you're a bit older where you finally find a passion. I discovered drawing, designing and creating. This was something I wanted to continue with.

Els: I will never forget that Wesley came home from school one day, looked me in the eyes and said 'mom, I want to become an engineer.' I knew deep inside that that was not a great fit for him, but agreed. 'If that's what you want, then go for engineering,' I replied. After two or three weeks, he was sitting dissapointedly at the dinner table telling us that this was not what he expected and not something he wanted to pursue. I looked at his father and our instant reaction was that we had to intervene and call his school to discuss the alternative options.

After talking to his mentor, they conducted a new test and came back with an answer that later became his calling: Wesley needs to be hands-on and pursue creativity.

Els: I will never forget that Wesley came home from school one day, looked me in the eyes and said 'mom, I want to become an engineer.' I knew deep inside that that was not a great fit for him, but agreed. 'If that's what you want, then go for engineering,' I replied. After two or three weeks, he was sitting dissapointedly at the dinner table telling us that this was not what he expected and not something he wanted to pursue. I looked at his father and our instant reaction was that we had to intervene and call his school to discuss the alternative options.