Ode to Megan Raats | Caution and self-confidence

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Amsterdam is a city known for its versatility and diversity. Megan Raats talks about her life in this city, the challenges she has overcome and the influence her mother has had on her development. Megan grew up just outside of Amsterdam. Her love for the city is clear: to her, Amsterdam is a compact city where anything is possible, a place where you can see and do everything without having to wander endlessly through the city. Yet there are also challenges she has had to face, especially as a woman in a busy and sometimes unsafe environment.

Megan recalls a number of moments that have changed her perspective on safety in the city. For example, she describes an experience at a station where she was the only woman around a man who came too close to her and behaved strangely. Although fortunately she was not in danger, she did feel unsafe at that moment. It is a feeling that many women in large cities know, where you sometimes do not know whether the situation you are experiencing is dangerous or not.

“It is important to be careful, but also not to let yourself be held back,” she says. ”If I want to do something, I go for it, but you always have to think carefully and assess the situation.”

Caution in the city
 

It is clear that her experiences in Amsterdam have shaped her. She has learned to be careful, but her ambition and desire to achieve her goals will not let her stop. Safety is important, but it should not be an obstacle to doing the things she wants to do. As she herself says: “It is important to be careful, but also to have fun and enjoy life.”
 

She emphasizes that women should not let fear hold them back. Instead, they should dare to ask for help when needed and also trust the people around them. In her experience, although sometimes perceived as closed off, people in Amsterdam are always willing to help when asked.

The influence of her mother
 

When asked about the influence of women in her life, Megan immediately mentions her mother. Her mother has played a crucial role in her life and has taught her to always go after her dreams. “You'll be dead tomorrow, so do as much as you can and never regret it,” is a life lesson her mother has taught her. Her mother's strength and determination have shaped her into the woman she is today. The realization that you should not wait for the perfect circumstances to do something has helped her achieve her goals and pursue her passions, despite the challenges that came her way.

Although she has experienced a number of unpleasant situations, Megan is convinced that she has been lucky and has never been in real danger. However, she recognizes that not everyone has had the same experience. Friends of hers have indeed had to deal with difficult and even dangerous situations. This realization makes her grateful for her own safety, but also aware of the dangers that others may encounter.

She concludes with the message that it is important to keep believing in yourself and to always keep learning and growing, even when circumstances are difficult. “I have been lucky, but I know it is not like that for everyone. We must support each other and continue to stand up for our safety and rights.”

Megan Raats' story in Amsterdam is an example of perseverance and the importance of self-confidence. Despite the challenges she has faced, she has found her own path and continues to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Her experiences can inspire other women in Amsterdam not to let fear hold them back, but to pursue their dreams and continue to develop themselves. The story of her mother, who always believed in her and taught her that it is important to pursue your dreams, is a legacy that has given her the strength to persevere.