Demi Bracke | Here, everything fits perfectly!
Demi (25): “Returning to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen was the best choice I could have made!”
I grew up in Kloosterzande, where I lived with my parents and brother until I was 21. When I think back to my childhood, I mostly remember playing outside with a large group of neighborhood kids. That created a cozy and close-knit atmosphere that I still look back on with great fondness.
For secondary school, I attended the gymnasium in Terneuzen. There, I took Cambridge English and technasium, among other things. I especially enjoyed the combination of learning and collaborating with companies during projects. It allowed me to further develop my English skills while also gaining practical experience.
After completing my International Business studies at HZ University of Applied Sciences, I decided to pursue a master's degree at Tilburg University. To really experience student life, I moved into a studio in Breda. At first, I loved it. The city was lively, there were lots of festivals, and everything was within cycling distance.
Still, after a while, I noticed something was missing. I only had a few days of classes per week and started to wonder if living in Breda really suited me anymore. At the same time, I realized how important my family is to me. I wanted to see my nephew and niece grow up, be able to spontaneously visit my brother, and spend more time with the people who matter to me. On top of that, I started a relationship with someone from Sint Jansteen. In fact, everything dear to me was in Zeeland!
When my parents moved to Hulst, I decided to move back to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen during my master's. It immediately felt like the right choice. I lived at home again so I could save for the future. By now, I have a car, I spend a lot of time with my boyfriend, and I've completely rebuilt my life here.
In my free time, I don't like to sit still. I play football, work out regularly with my boyfriend in his home gym, and meet up with friends often. Since this spring, we also have a dog, who has become an important part of our lives. I also thoroughly enjoy everything the region has to offer. Vestrock is on my agenda every year, and I also love going to Festival de Ballade in Terneuzen. The atmosphere is always great and there are fun artists performing. I also really enjoy local events like Midzomernacht in Sint Jansteen.
Hulst is also a nice place for me to meet up. On a sunny day, I love to have a cocktail on the terrace at Bierkaai at De Koning van Engeland. For dinner, I often go to De Korenbeurs on the Markt. And if I feel like going to the beach, I drive to Perkpolder or Breskens. For a day of shopping or dining out, I love going to Antwerp.
"I get plenty of opportunities to further develop myself."
My return also worked out well for my career. Through LinkedIn, I got in touch with a recruiter and started a traineeship as a financial advisor at the municipality of Vlissingen. That turned out to be a perfect match. I work in a great team and get plenty of opportunities to further develop myself.
I don't see the commute to Vlissingen as a disadvantage. On the contrary. Those forty-five minutes in the car give me time to wake up slowly, listen to music, and start my day off right!
After my time in Breda, I especially appreciate the sense of connection in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. You always run into someone you know here. That makes it personal and familiar. At the same time, there is plenty of peace and space. And if I want more hustle and bustle, cities like Antwerp are never far away.
For me, it's clear: I see my future here. My family, friends, sports, and wor
k are all close by. In the long run, I hope to live with my boyfriend in Sint Jansteen. For me, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen feels like the place where everything comes together. Here, everything fits perfectly.
For me, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen feels like the place where everything comes together. Here, everything fits perfectly.
Demi's tip in the region: "On a sunny day, I love to have a cocktail on the terrace at Bierkaai at De Koning van Engeland. For dinner, I often go to De Korenbeurs on the Markt. And if I feel like going to the beach, I drive to Perkpolder or Breskens. For a day of shopping or dining out, I love going to Antwerp."