Carsten

I encourage everyone to always follow their heart and stay curious.

Carsten is a graphic designer and a teacher at the AKI in Enschede, where he is also head of the department. Creativity plays a major role in his life. He listens to a lot of music and creates electronic pop music himself. Carsten values his close group of friends, whom he considers his “extended family.” He is known as patient, empathetic and someone who can put things into perspective.

In 2004, Carsten was diagnosed with both cancer and HIV at the same time. During this period, he discovered his great resilience. He takes a down-to-earth approach to living with HIV and compares his medication to taking a daily vitamin. It does not stop him from living a healthy and active life. By sharing his story, Carsten hopes to contribute to greater understanding and awareness.