Students of DRH Lindersvold…

Our school offers us first-hand insight into not only different cultures but also diverse personalities in our blended community. Over the next ten months, we will meet the “students of DRH Lindersvold” and gain an insider’s perspective on their journeys through the programme.

28.07.2024 | By Lyndsay Jensen | Pictures: DRH Lindersvold

Laura Romero, a 22-year-old from Sabadell, Spain, recently graduated with a degree in Journalism and International Communication of Fashion from Universidad de Navarra. Although it’s still early days since her arrival, she shares a bit about her background and the decision-making process that led her to join the August 2024 Volunteer For Change team.

Q: Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?

A: I’m from Barcelona, and I’m 22 years old. I’ve been involved in local initiatives in Spain, especially during the summers, ever since I was young. It fills my heart to help others. I’ve volunteered at universities, schools, orphanages, with children with special needs, in hospitals, and with the elderly. One of my favourite activities is participating in social dinners, like soup kitchens. I studied fashion journalism and communication at university, which I absolutely love and is my passion. After graduating this year, I interned with a well-known Spanish brand in Barcelona which was fulfilling but in a different way to this programme. I joined this programme because I wanted to help others and somehow, in the long run, combine that with my passion for fashion. It felt like a “now or never” moment for me as I will probably never get this opportunity again. The structure of this programme just made sense, and after researching many different options, this one ticked all the boxes for me. Coming from being involved in fashion shoots on location, I knew this world would be different, but it’s been an exciting challenge so far. It was initially difficult to convince my parents, but once they saw how organised everything was, they were happy to support me.

Q: What is it like living in a community setting at the school?

Q: Right now, it feels like a summer camp! I love living in a community you don’t have to pretend to be something you’re not. You will be together all the time, so everyone knows what you look like when you wake up. When you are already open from the beginning, you don’t have to pretend. I can say that you do need to take time for yourself, those little moments where you can go for a run, read or facetime your family – this is important. I think the authentic connections will come eventually in a more organic way. Right now, everyone is open and getting along.

Q: What have you observed or learned in your first two weeks?

A: I’ve noticed that when you help others, they help you in return. The atmosphere here is really comfortable, and everyone is open and willing to support each other. It feels familiar, like we’re all in this together. One of my friends is pursuing a double degree in international law relations. While my path has been more hands-on here, this experience feels like I’m actually living what she is studying, which is a little funny. The people here are so easygoing, and we’re all eager to learn about each other and our respective cultures. The cultural enrichment is fantastic! At the same time, even though you are a little nervous to be yourself (like if you were at home) people are super respectful – it’s a warm, safe environment to be you.

Q: What do you hope to achieve from this programme?

A: One promise I made to my mom is that I would grow but stay true to myself. I hope this experience makes me more aware of the world, helps me make wiser decisions, and live more coherently. It sounds simple, but helping others gives you a sense of purpose. Being helpful to someone in need gives life more meaning. I want to find the significance in small gestures—sometimes, you achieve big things without even realising it. Little by little, like an ant, you can make a more significant impact than you might think, working together as a team and community.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

A: I plan to return to the fashion industry because it’s where my passion lies. I’m particularly drawn to the communication side of fashion—narratives, storytelling, and the creative process behind production. Humana could be a potential path for me in the fashion industry, particularly in their clothing collection and sustainability efforts. I think this programme will give me a new perspective on the fashion world. I love Humana’s clothes, especially their vintage section—the quality is so much better than what’s produced today. Before I even started the programme, I was already investing in it as I have a lot of their clothes! I love reusable clothes; the textiles are so durable, and it’s like giving these clothes a new life. When you buy something from HPP, it feels special because it’s unique. Their second-hand items are one-of-a-kind—you won’t find them anywhere else. 

Join the Volunteer For Change team and make a difference while volunteering, exploring new cultures, learning together, and contributing to a more sustainable future.