On Monday, July 15, we had the pleasure of meeting Varuna at the Field in Leiden. I first encountered her through a LinkedIn post a week earlier, where she proudly announced her completion of a Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering. 

You might be wondering:  Who is Varuna? 

Keywords- games, education, children  

Varuna is a listener by nature, with a composed demeanor, yet when prompted, she becomes a torrent of articulate ideas about her dream job and what she’s willing to do to achieve it. Remarkably self-aware, she recognizes her areas for growth, particularly in agility, balancing this with her exceptional organizational skills and structured problem-solving approach. 

What does she stand for? 

When discussing our planet, Varuna emphasizes the importance of unity over division and advocates for sustainable living—using no more resources than one can replenish.  

As a graduate specializing in industrial design, with a focus on games and education, she aligns strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to these areas. 

What drives her? 

Varuna’s unwavering drive immediately impressed me. She harbors a deep passion for game design and is committed to expanding her industrial design expertise. This passion has been a consistent thread throughout her life. 

What is she looking for? 

Varuna is eager to begin her career as an industrial designer, particularly in game design for underserved social segments. She is curious about the professional design world and understands the importance of gaining practical experience post-graduation. Unlike many of her peers, she isn’t looking to travel the world first; she’s ready to dive straight into her career, even willing to relocate for the right opportunity. Her journey from MAVO to earning a master’s degree underscores her determination. 

This girl is unstoppable – who will give her that first stepping stone and wants to be part of her great journey?