On Friday 17 October, the final two lessons for the sixth-year Technology and Science students at Caroline Pauwels Atheneum looked a little different than usual. With a guest lecture “What is Light?” by VUB Rector Jan Danckaert and practical study tips from student ambassador Ineke Marcelis, the pupils got a taste of university life — and of the importance of critical thinking — during the kick-off of the VUB Pact School Tour ’25.
Student Ineke Marcelis
How better to prepare pupils for student life than by letting them experience it first-hand? For the third consecutive year, the VUB Pact School Tour is visiting secondary schools across Flanders and Brussels to give final-year pupils a genuine taste of university. Law student and VUB student ambassador Ineke Marcelis has been involved from the very start. “I really struggled with choosing my degree,” she tells the sixth-years at Caroline Pauwels Atheneum in Brussels. “At my school, we didn’t get much guidance. But look — if all goes well, I’ll have my master’s in criminal law by January. It all works out in the end.”
Her story resonates with many, as a lot of pupils face similar doubts. Ineke mainly wants to reassure them: “You still have plenty of time.” But she also offers practical advice: “The first thing you need to do is look at yourself. What do you enjoy, and what are you good at? Studying takes time, so it helps if you’re motivated and choose something that fits your interests — or the career you want, if you already know that.”
She illustrates how student life differs from secondary school with concrete examples: “Instead of class hours, we talk about credits. At university, we work in semesters rather than trimesters. And without resits, you actually get a lot of holidays,” she adds with a smile. “But studying isn’t just about books. It’s also about living in a student city. Brussels is vibrant, but choose a place that feels right for you. Once you reach the ultimate goal — your degree — there’s a special reward waiting for you at the VUB: our own balcony moment at the Grand Place. Something truly unique to look forward to. But before then, come to our info days or open lecture sessions and discover which course suits you best.”
"The most important thing in university studies is motivation. Intrinsic motivation is the key to everything"
What is light?
Next, VUB Rector and physicist Jan Danckaert invited pupils to dive into the world of physics. His lecture centred around one big question: What is light? But first, he tackled a few stubborn myths — that physics is too difficult, boring, or “not for girls.” “If someone says something isn’t for you, be twice as motivated,” he stresses. “Never be discouraged. Our society really needs STEM profiles like yours. The most important thing in university studies is motivation. Intrinsic motivation is the key to everything.”
Using examples from Newton and Huygens to Einstein, he showed how science builds on past insights — tested, challenged, and sometimes overturned. Through simple home experiments and plenty of interaction, he kept the pupils engaged for more than 90 minutes. He closed with a clear message: “Science is human work, and critical thinking is essential for progress.”
“Will we ever know everything?” one pupil asked. “We must always be willing to question theories,” the Rector replied. “Progress means you can never ‘un-know’.” A thought that lingered. Even after the bell rang, questions kept coming: “How does the entrance exam for medicine work?” “What if I want to change courses later?” “Should I pick something I love, or something that pays better?”
The VUB Pact School Tour not only prepares young people for choosing their studies — it also helps them understand why critical thinking matters. And at Caroline Pauwels Atheneum, that message clearly landed: pupils left with fresh insights and a strong sense of curiosity about their own futures.
I still love teaching, even as rector, and I think a lecture should never be one-way
Rector Jan Danckaert: “It was special to teach at Caroline Pauwels Atheneum today. I knew Caroline well, so standing here in her school meant a lot. What struck me most was how engaged the group was. The pupils asked many questions and really joined in the discussion — that made it particularly rewarding. The session was about light, but in truth it was a lesson in critical thinking through the lens of science across the ages. That clearly resonated with this group. There was courage to ask questions, to reason, to be curious — and that’s exactly what the VUB and the Pact School Tour stand for. I still love teaching, even as rector, and I think a lecture should never be one-way. I always learn a lot from these interactions. Young people make their study choices very differently today, and by talking with them, we understand their motivations and doubts better. That helps us, as a university, to support them more effectively.”
Rector Jan Danckaert
Pupil Amal
What did the pupils think?
Amal: “It felt like I was already a student at the VUB. The pace was fast, but the clear way of teaching made it manageable. I feel genuinely prepared for what’s coming next year. My dad dreams of me becoming a doctor, but I’m not sure if medicine might be too ambitious. What I’ll remember most: you can do whatever you want — as long as you have motivation and interest, and I definitely do.”
Amin: “I’ve always been fascinated by physics, so I really enjoyed the session. I’m thinking of becoming an engineer, though I’m not sure which field yet. The lecture showed how logically science builds up. The student’s story about university life was enlightening too — I now have a much clearer picture of how it all works.”
Pupil Amin
Pupil Adam
Adam: “The class was quite intense and went quickly, but that made it feel real. You could tell that you need to think critically and adapt fast. This kind of preview really helps me reflect on my study choice. I also appreciated that we could ask any question, no matter how random. After all, this is about our future — something worth thinking carefully about. I’ll definitely attend the VUB info days to learn more.”