The Creative Path: Wittenborg Students Share Their Artistic Journeys

08.08.2025

Artistic Activities Help People Reflect, Heal and Connect

In addition to their studies and work, engaging in artistic or creative activities can bring significant benefits to people’s lives. Many Wittenborg students use their free time to channel their creative energy into side projects. Meet some of them:

Reflecting through writing

For MBM student Eniola Olufunke Sofolahan, specialising in Digital Marketing & Communication, writing is a way to process emotions and reflect on life, its changes and challenges. She began exploring literature as a child growing up in Nigeria.

“Back then, I would have really vivid dreams and talk to my mom about them, and she would encourage me to write them down. I also discovered an author named Ted Dekker, and his books really resonated with me. That was when I started trying to structure my ideas and share my vision with others through writing,” Eniola says.

Having experimented with different genres, including poetry, fiction and the spoken word, she notes that her writing does not shy away from difficult themes. “I’ve read lots of stories that portray life as a very comfortable experience, and it’s okay to try to put some positive energy into the world. But at the same time, people need to know the truth: you will go through hardships and obstacles too. But the beauty of it is that there’s always going to be hope at the end.”

Eniola has compiled some of her writings in a work she’s currently developing, titled Metamorphosis. She plans to divide the project into four parts, each inspired by her own experiences and focused on a different stage of her life. Eventually, Eniola would like to publish her work in print.

“This is a very long-term project, and it’s interconnected with my life. The first part is already completed; I started writing it seven years ago, when I was 17. It explores some of my childhood and teenage experiences, including the death of my aunt, who was like a second mom to me, as well as challenges I faced with school, friendships and relationships. But as you read through it, you’ll notice a transformation in the way I viewed the world, and there are positive moments too. I acknowledge my mistakes and the lessons I learned from them.”

She believes it is important for students to have side activities that allow them to express their creativity. “Our lives are more than just grades, academic work and classes. We have passions, hobbies and things we’re interested in, whether it’s building something physical or creating art. All human beings have the ability to create and inspire, and they should pursue that as well.”

In tune with her emotions

“For the longest time, I wasn’t comfortable singing in front of others. It was only last year that I began taking formal vocal lessons, and that changed everything. Singing feels like a meditation. It’s a deeply expressive medium where I feel most like myself,” says MBM student Vedvati Rohera, specialising in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Vedvati, who is a professional photographer, points out that creativity has always been at the heart of everything she does. “I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. In the beginning, I used to record myself and learn through the internet, experimenting and picking things up on my own.”

In addition to her love for jazz songs, she enjoys singing along to artists like Coldplay, Ruth B and Anuv Jain. “That said, when it comes to dancing and letting loose, nothing beats Punjabi music. Artists like Karan Aujla and Diljit Dosanjh always get me moving.”

Vedvati comments that she has slowly come out of her shell and now feels more comfortable performing in public. “I just co-wrote my first song with my partner, and we’re currently in the process of recording it. It’s about love, inspired by my own relationship, but it’s meant to speak to all kinds of love. The song is bilingual, featuring both English and Hindi vocals, which adds a personal and cultural touch. We’re hoping to release it next year and we’re really excited about it.”

She describes singing as a meditative and liberating experience, when she feels most grounded and truly in touch with herself. “An artistic activity doesn’t have to mean just music or painting; it can be anything that allows you to express your inner world. Having a creative outlet gives you a safe space to feel, to reflect and to heal. It brings you into a higher state of energy and presence. Beyond academics and work, these moments are when you feel most alive, when you’re truly experiencing life and connecting with your emotions.”

Strumming through life

For HBA student Ranen Thomas, music has always been more than just a hobby. It’s a lifelong outlet, a source of joy and a deep connection to his roots. Originally from India and currently pursuing a degree in Sport Business Management, Ranen began his musical journey at the age of seven, first learning the drums before picking up the guitar under the guidance of his grandfather.

“I grew up in a very musical family. My grandfather could play almost any instrument, and he introduced me to the basics of guitar, keyboard and drums,” Ranen recalls.

While he later took professional drum lessons, his guitar skills evolved more naturally. “Apart from my grandfather’s guidance and a few tips here and there, I’m mostly self-taught.”

Ranen’s taste in music is broad, ranging from Guns N’ Roses to The Lumineers. He enjoys playing across genres, though these days, folk-pop dominates his playlists. “I only have my acoustic guitar with me here in the Netherlands, so I’ve been leaning into acoustic-friendly styles. Playing Guns N’ Roses on acoustic just doesn’t hit the same without distortion,” he says.

Although he mostly plays for himself, Ranen occasionally performs with friends or at church congregations. “I love being part of the worship team whenever I’m back home. I even performed at a concert recently for a few hundred people, and that was probably my biggest crowd yet.”

Music, for Ranen, is a form of emotional release. “There could be a lot going on, but once I pick up the guitar, it all disappears. And when I finally nail something I’ve been struggling to learn, the satisfaction is incredible.”

While he hasn’t written original songs yet, he’s open to the idea, and even sees himself sharing them online someday. “Even if my music only touches one person, that’s enough.”

Ranen believes every student can benefit from an artistic outlet because it helps them grow in many ways. “It encourages creativity and imagination, which help students think in new ways and solve problems, both in and out of the classroom. It also allows them to explore their emotions and manage stress, which is good for their mental health. Involvement in the arts also builds confidence and teaches discipline. Research shows that students who take part in the arts often do better in school. In short, creative activities benefit you not only during your academic life but also well beyond it.”