Welcome to my homepage.
This is still very much in it's infancy (first attempt at HTML was in August) so stick with me while I figure out how to make this stuff tick. The whole concept of creating a home page is nowhere near as easy as I thought - conversing with computers has never been one of my strong points…
My name is Jan Willem Westra, hatched on May the 4th, 1970. Having lived all my life in Amsterdam (with several months spent in residence in Hengelo (OV)) I am currently studying a BSc at Vrije University Amsterdam -- majoring in Psychology with a minor in History resources.
I started University in '94 enrolled in a computer science degree but after realising I didn't share the same passion for computers that the rest of the computer science geeks did I hit on the idea of a degree change. After much discussion I headed where the females were - Psychology. Having started 'Psych as a general interest paper I'm now completing stage II and aim to major in this area. I can still be excused as having no wish to become a shrink however.
Among these papers I have, at various times, taken other subjects including Philosophy, Biology, Calculus and Spanish.
Having fully adopted the university lifestyle of very little work and lots of play I can usually be found pretending to study over a jug of beer at the 'varsity pub, Shadows. Even better, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays I can be found pretending to be sober over more than one. This is all in the interest of science however, helping to analyse the psychological effects of blood in the alcohol stream.
As far as interests go I guess I'm pretty varied. Most weekends are taken up with hang-over recovery or work (what's the difference you ask?) but if the situation permits I'll try my hand at more respectable activities. These include sailing, skiing (water and snow) and a bit of wind-surfing. Whenever possible I indulge in flying, either powered or in a sailplane, but this is usually kept on hold while I attempt to accumulate enough funds
Another interest of mine is my method of transport; a green 1993 Vespa PX200E. The green machine (AKA " The Stoner Mobile") has been the source of many interesting times and represents my character well I feel.
Some of my more memorable moments are -
With any luck a few more photo's should be available in the not-to-distant future.
Another interest of mine is the Territorial Force Army in which I'm enlisted. Currently I'm a Rifleman in B-Coy, 3rd Battalion, RNZIR which is an infantry company in the 3 Dead.North regiment. For the wholesome sum of $40 a day (a $2 per hour wage beaten only by your local sweat shop) I get to romp around various parts of the country side assaulting small groups of enemy and averaging a good 2 or 3 hours sleep a night. Morale to the story - if you appreciate fine food, lots of sleep, nice friendly bosses, a relaxing atmosphere and slow weekends sitting in the sun then DON'T ENLIST!
Here's a story I wrote about our yearly, 2 week long Annual Field Exercise (AFE) down in last summer and may help to explain in part exactly what it is we do on an exercise and probably more importantly; where your tax dinero is going. This is a true account of the activities over a period of 24 hours, somewhere in Zone 23, Waiouru, as I neared the conclusion of 3 weeks away.
My more regular job is tutoring mathematics to students ranging from 5 to 15 years of age.
Due to my degree change I still have another year of University ahead of me which isn't too much of a problem. Despite the rising fees I enjoy the lifestyle and don't mind being a perpetual student. At this point in time my main aim is planning an OE to Europe beginning next year. Intending to leave in February (nice 'n' cold then) I'll be back-packing my way around Western and parts of Eastern Europe for at least 6 months, after which time, unless I have gained a good job, my bank account will force my return home for the continuation of my degree. Since I'm still in the planning stage of this trip I'm open to any suggestions that people have, although, at the same time I'm trying hard not to over-organise my travel.
Well, that's it. If you have any comments or just want a chat leave me a note addressed to jwwestra@hotmail.com.
If you wish to lodge a land claim, are owed money or your from the Student Loans Corporation then I no longer reside here and it is unlikely you will be able to contact me.
Last updated
Sunday, 3 November 2000