"Our children learn a lot from us. They are the generation of Dutch people with Romanian roots who will play an important role in the social and political life of the Netherlands. If they have this wonderful combination of Romanian creativity, spontaneity and energy on the one hand, and Dutch structure, seriousness and determination on the other, nothing can stand in their way."
Cătălina Negru is co-founder and CEO of ROMPRO Foundation. She strongly believes that Romanians are better off united, which is why she set up the Foundation, helped by her vast international experience in project implementation. She wears the hat of a motivational agent in the Foundation team and is always brimming with ideas and enthusiasm.
What made you come to the Netherlands? How many years have you been here?
I first came to the Netherlands in 1977, but indirectly, through my father, who was to perform a series of shows here. I asked him to bring me a black tulip and he couldn't find one. But he did bring me dozens of photos of Dutch landscapes, places and people, as well as a beautiful blond doll, which I liked from the first moment.
I came here again in 1992, on my first tour with the Tinerimea Română Student Ensemble. We danced in all the big cities of the Netherlands and looked for a transparent umbrella in each of them, but we didn't find one. But I saw with my own eyes dream landscapes, met warm, kind and smiling people and enjoyed every moment I spent here.
I also came on a short secondment in the summer of 2002 and knew then that this was where I wanted to live and that I loved the Netherlands without limits.
I moved here permanently in 2006, after a period spent in Singapore and Frankfurt working for ING on international projects. In the first months I met a Romanian man at a barbecue who said to me: "You have to decide quickly if you want to stay, otherwise you'll live your whole life in a shuffle between two countries, neither of which will really be your home." And I chose to stay here, without losing my love for Romania, and without denying my identity. I also had black tulips and transparent umbrellas.
Have you adapted well to the new culture? How did the process go and how long did it take? How long did it take you to feel at home?
Adaptation came in waves. Up on the wave I was when I felt friends around me, down I was when I didn't know the language and the rules of the game. That's because I didn't understand a lot of the big and small stuff and didn't have a lot of information.
But I've always felt at home here. I think Holland and I are a good match.
What do you still find difficult to understand about Dutch culture?
Now I understand Holland well and I love it, but I have only adopted from Dutch culture what I like and what suits me. I still find it a waste of time counting every penny and the structural fear of wasting money. I think that time could be put to better use. But I see the benefits and I think the principle brings advantages, when applied sparingly ("met mate").
I love Dutch relaxation and being happy with the simple things. I like the respect for nature and the environment, the participatory decision-making system, the natural and concise way of communicating. And I could go on with all sorts of other habits.
How do you see the relationship with other Romanians and the preservation of the Romanian identity abroad? Why did you choose to get involved with the Foundation and what would you like to achieve?
We have kept many habits, maybe some will disappear with time or maybe they will remain, who knows? I was born Romanian and I strongly believe that we Romanians need to help each other a lot more. Everything we learn and share helps. Being better to each other helps. Let's smile and embrace each other, instead of criticizing or categorizing each other.
Our children learn a lot from us. They are the generation of Dutch people with Romanian roots who will play an important role in the social and political life of the Netherlands. If they have this wonderful combination of Romanian creativity, spontaneity and energy on the one hand, and Dutch structure, seriousness and determination on the other, nothing can stand in their way.
For us, but especially for them, we built this Foundation as a virtual home where Romanians can meet, stimulate and inspire each other to become better. I hope that together with the whole fantastic team that contributes to the smooth running of the Foundation we will achieve many successful projects.
What do you like to do? What profession have you chosen and why?
I like to connect people with each other and I like to organize, which is why my profession as a Project Manager has also been of great help in setting up the Foundation.
Would you like to tell us about a funny or interesting story you had in the Netherlands?
A funny example is from a few years ago, about six or seven. I was driving and thought I understood Dutch, so when the radio said that speed cameras appear on the radio screen while driving, whenever I saw "flitsers" on the car screen I smiled and thought how advanced the Dutch are to have introduced such a warning system for speed cameras and consciously controlled my speed. Until colleagues told me that after the word "flitsers" all the motorways and national roads where these speed cameras are located appear on the screen and you have to think for yourself which road you are on.
What are your plans for the future and how will you put them into practice?
Among my future plans, from a professional point of view, are the participation and stimulation of Romanian-Dutch bilateral projects, the consolidation and development of the Foundation, and the creation of a Romanian-Dutch Chamber of Commerce. In terms of personal development, I would like to educate myself to be more patient and to listen more. And I would also like to dance tango in Buenos Aires and samba at the Rio carnival.
Your motto or a quote that motivates you.
My favorite quote is by George Balachines: "Why are you stingy with yourselves? Why are you holding back? What are you saving for-for another time? There are no other times. There is only now. Right now." - Another kind of carpe diem.
