by
Joanne Thomas
At 32, Ferdinand Mason is a partner in one of the top five
law firms in the Netherlands and also the youngest and
newest member of the ISA Board. Our recent interview
revealed that his ties to ISA are woven around a story
of love, mischief and genuine dedication.
Ferdinand graduated from ISA in 1985 and was intending to
study at university in the UK or the US. However, much to
his parents' dismay, the senior trip put an end to this notion.
What Ferdinand thought was going to be a week of mopeds and
fun on the island of Corfu turned out to involve more than
he bargained for. "On the plane on the way there I sat,
by accident, behind a lady I had never looked at before (and
neither she at me). We liked each other very quickly."
She came from Croatia, her name was Alma Divanovic, '85 and
she was also an ISA graduate.
Soon after this trip, the lovers decided that there was no
way they were going to separate and go to Universities in
different countries. Rebels with a cause, they shocked their
parents and decided to stay in the Netherlands.
Both
Ferdinand and Alma were determined to prove
their parents' misgivings wrong and make something
of their lives and their relationship. Ferdinand
went on to graduate from more than one University
and became a lawyer, eventually joining his
current firm, Boekel de Nerée, in 1998.
The couple were married in 1995, and their
son, Julius was born in the Netherlands in
1998.
It is not surprising then that Julius became what they fondly
call "the ISA clone" beginning his school years
here in 2001.
Hopefully Julius will not follow in all of his father's footsteps
- especially those that landed Dad in a 'spot of bother'
at ISA.
Ferdinand remembers that Mrs Weegenaar (who still teaches
at the school) was the first teacher to send him out of class.
He smiles as he says "And rightfully so!"
Moreover, the principal caught him and his friends skipping
school to watch a Rolling Stones concert and, on a separate
occasion, drinking wine on the school's roof.
Nowadays, looking at Ferdinand in his smart blue suit and
listening to him talk it is hard to imagine him on any roof.
It is far easier to see why he will be a valuable asset to
the Board.
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When
asked why he agreed to join the Board, Ferdinand
explains that it is not only his long history
with the school that prompted him but also the
fact that the school has remained "close
to my heart." He believes his education
at the school has given him and Alma an "open
approach" to life. Although he attended
a number of schools before ISA, he says, "The
first time I remember really learning was at
ISA."
One
of the most significant lessons he learnt at
the school, which he believes has been one
of his greatest assets in business, involves
the concept of 'learning for international
understanding'. Ferdinand claims that this
principle has taught him to 'hold back' in
business meetings and says, "If you don't
understand what is going on, assume this is
based on ignorance and hold back until you
understand. This gives you the edge to get
the best positive result."
His
attitude to board meetings is no different.
He says he would like to first learn about
the intricacies of running a school before
he jumps in with suggestions for change.
Although being on the Board is completely different
to being a student or a parent at the school,
this new perspective is what he enjoys about
the position. He has also been impressed by
the time the Board members devote to the school
on a voluntary basis. He adds, "They are
busy people and they prioritise this."
Ferdinand's
son has his own view of his Dad's position.
One day he told Ferdinand, "Dad, Melissa
(a teaching assistant) told me you are bored." To
which Ferdinand replied, "Melissa means
that I help the school with papers." Julius
smartly retorted "Now I understand why
you are bored."
Back
to Voices 2003 |
A
Welcome from our Alumni Coordinator Don Morton
