"After six years, six days a week of doing the School for Young Talent, I have now opted to do a gap year. I want to use this year to see if I can progress as a model and I want to continue working on my portfolio as well for my admission at the art academy in The Hague. I also hope to finally take the last step in my transition this year. Unfortunately this has been delayed quite a bit due to the pandemic. But I'm looking forward to the moment I can finally close this period. I will work hard, with a positive attitude in the face of setbacks, to see if I can make all of my dreams come true!"

— Dantè

"While having my struggles in the pandemic, I think it helped in understanding myself better and finding my identity. I want to thrive in the world while maintaining and representing my ideals and my identity. I want to show the world my Amsterdam and my Indonesian heritage, my love for art, music and fashion and fight for the inequality. I want to combine all my values in my work to create truly unique and personal creations. This is what I’m always going to thrive for in whatever I’m going to do and seek in this world."

— Manu

"When I think about the future, I dream of having lived the life I have always desired and that I'll be the person I've always wanted to be. For me, growth is so important. I thrive to dedicate my being to my personal development. Because when everything around us fades, we are left with ourselves."

— Isa

"Despite the pandemic and all the restrictions that came with it, I got the opportunity to start my career as a model. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do. After such an intense year I am very motivated to go after my goals. Not just goals related to modelling, like walking in fashion week or making it to new York — but also maintaining a healthier lifestyle to make me feel better and happier as a person in general. As the limitations of the pandemic are starting to fade, I intend to make the most out of the things that I am able to do again."

— Liss

"Striving towards a safe space in which intersectionality, authenticity and innovation, are present and celebrated. In which we can reach our full potential without hindrance. In which we can thrive without looking over our shoulders. We should be able to just be. The future is us and it’s me. And I do believe that I will be able to create this space, especially in writing. Being able to express myself in any way I want — and enabling others to do the same."

— Nouhaila

"Thriving to me is... a world where people are able to be more connected with each other — and the possibility for each person to always be able to dream about anything they want to achieve. And that we can all create an environment that makes this possible."

— Vincent