Geert Gabriëls

Biography

"Be curious about each other and the world around you"

I was born and raised in Weert, and I remember being curious about the world around me from an early age. Other countries, cultures, and customs, plants, people, animals, you name it. Marvelling at life, at diversity in nature and in cultures energises me. My curiosity led me to study Earth Sciences and is the reason why I spent years working as a teacher at the Waldorf School in Maastricht and at the Fontys School of Teacher Training in Tilburg. I have always taught to be inspired, to inspire, and to spread knowledge and wonder about the world and its natural wonders.

Giving a voice to nature and culture

A lot of things that we care about as a society cannot be bought with money. Happiness, joy, humour, inspiration, connection, emotion, and wonder. And yet a walk out in the countryside or an excellent theatre performance can give us all these things in spades. Nature and culture are as fragile as they are priceless and their value to human beings is immeasurable. Fragile things need a champion: I want to give nature and culture a voice. I am passionate about guaranteeing a safe place to live for people and animals alike.

Chess and board games

I am passionate about board games. In fact, the only hobby I have had and kept since I was six is chess. I can keep playing board games like Stone Age, Catan, Village and Quacks of Quedlinburg until the wee hours of the night. I love spending time with my friends from university and back home.

Limburg and landscapes

I love Limburg immensely, with its landscapes, rich history, traditions, and our own regional language. When I fight for something, I give it my all. And after a long working day, I like nothing more than to sit back and enjoy life at home with my husband.