International Facility Management Student at Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Who I am, what drives me, and my aspirations in Facility Management.
Hi! I'm Emilia Ivon Henriquez Hansen, a 19-year-old from Haugesund, Norway. Growing up in a small coastal town where everyone knows each other taught me the value of community.
My journey to Facility Management has been shaped by diverse work experiences, from flooring installation at Gulvmax AS to caregiving for disabled individuals, kindergarten work, and even modeling for Garnius, Norway's largest online yarn and knitting brand based in my hometown. These experiences taught me the importance of service, attention to detail, and creating environments where people feel comfortable and cared for.
Moving to Groningen together with my boyfriend Samuel to pursue International Facility Management at Hanze University was a big step. I'll be honest: my first semester was a real challenge. For a while I kept debating whether to continue here or switch to nursing back home, and learning, which had always come easy to me, suddenly felt harder than usual.
I decided to stay. Looking back now, after my second semester, I am really glad I did. Every day I like the program a little more, and the further I develop the more certain I am that I made the right choice. This portfolio follows that journey: my About page tells you who I am, and from there you can explore my development across Semester 1 and Semester 2 side by side.
Development through life experiences before and during my FM studies.
My diverse work history has been instrumental in shaping my professional identity:
These experiences combined, from physical facility work to caregiving to brand representation, gave me a holistic understanding of how environments affect people's wellbeing.
Modeling for Garnius 🧶 – Norway's largest yarn brand
Outside of work and studies, I love exploring new places and experiences. Moving to Groningen has opened up a whole new world of social activities and cultural experiences. I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds, which aligns perfectly with the international nature of my program.
I'm also passionate about fashion and self-expression. My modeling work for Garnius allowed me to combine my interest in aesthetics with professional work. Living in a vibrant student city like Groningen gives me plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local nightlife and build meaningful friendships with fellow students.
Enjoying the vibrant city life of Groningen with friends 🌃
I grew up in Haugesund, a small town on the west coast of Norway. Everyone knows each other there, so you never really feel alone.
Moving to the Netherlands with my boyfriend Samuel was a big step. Being in a new city where I know very few people has been challenging, but also exciting.
Haraldsstøtten in Haugesund 🗡️
I completed my secondary education in Norway, where the education system emphasizes practical skills alongside academic knowledge. The Norwegian approach to learning, which values both individual achievement and group collaboration, prepared me well for the project-based learning at Hanze University.
My various work experiences also served as informal education, teaching me real-world skills in construction (Gulvmax), healthcare (care facility), and business (modeling). These diverse experiences gave me a practical foundation that complements my academic studies in Facility Management.
With my mom at the Norwegian high school graduation 🎓
Choose a semester to explore my development. The two semesters mirror each other, so you can follow how I grew from the first to the second.
Sep 2025 – Feb 2026
Getting started in IFM: my first project, my courses, and the honest challenges of settling into a new country.
Explore Semester 1 → 02Feb 2026 – Jul 2026
Finding my footing: feeling equal in my group, world citizenship, and the goals I am carrying into year 2.
Explore Semester 2 →