Zaya doesn’t need to stand out

He switches easily between English and Dutch with his new friends. He is from the Netherlands, but lived in the United Arab Emirates for thirteen years, until his family moved back to the Netherlands three years ago. “I have been going to international schools for almost my whole life, English is the language I feel most comfortable in.” That is why he is starting the international version of economics and business this year.

Long curls

Zaya has warm brown curls. Today he has styled them using only the necessary products. When he was younger they were really long. His big mass of curls even got him modelling work for a teenage swimwear brand back then. He shaved his curls off for years, but now they are slowly coming back. “I do think I look nicer like this, but I do have to pay more attention to it.” His curls need daily care to keep looking good.

He wears a simple black T-shirt from Zara that, together with his faux designer jeans, creates a silhouette of straight lines. Under his left leg he is wearing a foot brace. Due to a football injury his mobility was reduced and he now needs extra support. On his feet are a pair of black Air Force 1s. “These are my number one shoe. They’re just a versatile shoe, I can wear them pretty much anywhere.”

A bit neutral

On Sunday evening he gave some thought to the clothes he wanted to wear during the Eurekaweek. Comfort was an important factor.”And that I like it”, says Zaya, “but that it is not too much. That it just looks neutral, normal.” An introduction week is not the place for him to draw attention to himself. He wants to be prepared for anything that might happen and not come across as inappropriate. Zaya wants to avoid prejudice.”By wearing something a bit neutral, people can get to know me through my own personality, rather than what I’m wearing, or my appearance.”

Zaya spent the afternoon at the sailing club. There he decided to sign up and that earned him two new bands. One on his left wrist that marks him out as a newcomer to the club. And on his right wrist a payment band, which works the same way as the one from the Eurekaweek. On his left wrist there is also a bracelet. It is a silver-coloured piece of jewellery with a four-pointed star and two chain bands, one thick and one thin. He likes having something special on, despite his simple outfit. He says: “I like the colour mainly, it’s not as basic as other bracelets.”