A Story from PTR Alumni: Lotte Vellekoop
After I finished my bachelor’s degree in Christian theology, I started searching for a master’s program that would align with my interests. When I found the PTR webpage, I was immediately intrigued by the combination of trauma and religion. My bachelor’s degree primarily focused on religion, but I have always been interested in psychology and, more specifically, trauma. This master’s program seemed to incorporate both, so I attended an open day at the VU and became excited about starting this program.
I have experienced PTR as a very welcoming and supportive environment. The lectures were highly engaging, but I might have learned even more from the interactions with other students and teachers, both during and outside classes. People from diverse backgrounds come together, which leads to fascinating conversations. Seeing how different perspectives shape people’s experiences encourages you to critically reflect on your own views.
One of my core memories from this program is the trip to Colombia. Every year, PTR organizes a trip to allow students to experience theoretical knowledge in real life. This was truly a life-changing experience.
During my thesis, I was able to combine my two main interests: religion and trauma. I researched transgenerational trauma among evangelical individuals, integrating both a spiritual and a contextual framework. I discovered that these frameworks do not operate in isolation but instead intertwine and interact within people’s personal lives.
During my studies, I did an internship at a Christian publishing house, where I had a great experience. I enjoyed simplifying complex theoretical concepts and translating them into everyday life. This aligns with a key takeaway from PTR: religion, conflict, peace, trauma, and other complex topics cannot be studied solely in an academic setting. To make a real impact, theory, and everyday life must be connected in both directions. Theories about these concepts are incomplete without real-world knowledge, and making a difference in everyday life is profoundly influenced by academic insights.
After my internship, I was offered a job at this publishing house as a project editor. In this role, I am responsible for overseeing the entire editorial process of a book, from the initial idea to the final publication. Authors either submit manuscripts, or we commission them to write. From that moment on, I coordinate the planning, provide content feedback, and ensure that the text is clear, engaging, and free of errors. Every book project is unique, and I enjoy the challenge of tailoring the process to fit the specific needs of each publication. Working in a Christian publishing house allows me to combine my passion for theology and communication, helping to make complex ideas accessible and relevant for a broader audience.
Written by: Lotte Vellekoop, one of the alumni of the Master of Theology and Religious Studies, Peace Trauma and Religion
