You have held this title for over a week now. What kind of reactions have you received?
‘I’ve shaken quite a few hands on campus recently. I’m part of what I call an active student bubble. Because I’m involved with several associations, a lot of people know me. I’m often at the Educafé in the Zilverling, thanks to my study association Inter-Actief, or at the Kick-In’s appreciation day. Students come up to me there to congratulate me. That’s really nice.’
What does this title mean to you?
‘I get involved in student life to organise events and help shape policies that genuinely benefit students. That’s why I’m particularly happy to receive recognition from other UT students. I don’t do it for the title. Although a lot of people know me on campus, I don’t think I’m more active than others. I know plenty of UT students who deserve this title too.’
So why did you win it?
‘I’m active in many different places across campus. Last year, I was full-time treasurer at Inter-Actief. I also joined the board of the Twentse Studenten Alpen Club (TSAC) just six months after starting at UT. It was an intensive year, and that’s when my involvement in student life really gained momentum. I still work there as an instructor and chair of the equipment committee. I’m also a member of the supervisory board of computer shop IAPC and sit on several audit committees, where I review the financial situation of student associations.
‘I’ve been active ever since I started studying at UT. I’m particularly proud of what we achieved together. At Inter-Actief, for example, we got more first-year students involved, saw membership grow, and organised more activities. I look back on that positively.’
What motivates you to do so much?
‘Students are happy when something fun is organised or when a change in policy benefits them. That’s what I do it for. I’m not active to develop specific skills or boost my CV. Being involved in student life really is a hobby for me.
‘Because I get so much satisfaction out of it, I deliberately make time for these activities. Fortunately, I can combine them with my studies. I plan my student activities around my degree. Last year, I put my studies on hold for a while, but that’s about to change.’
Is there an aspect of your student involvement that is less visible?
‘Yes, my role as chair of the Faculty Council at EEMCS. You don’t organise fun activities on campus in that role. Instead, you spend most of your time in meetings and discussions. As chair, I represent not only the students but also lead the council as a whole, which includes both students and staff. That is quite unusual among UT faculties, although it has been the tradition at EEMCS for some time.
‘What many students don’t realise is how much influence the Faculty Council has. On important matters such as the budget, reorganisations, and the Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER), the council has the right to give or withhold consent. The Faculty Board therefore cannot simply make decisions without our approval. As a student member, you have just as much say as a staff member.’
Do you ever say ‘no’ when someone asks you to get involved?
‘Although I find it difficult, I sometimes have to say no. I can’t take on everything, and I also want to stay involved with the associations I’m already active in. I don’t just join anything, either. I need to feel passionate about it and have the energy for it, and the people involved in an association or committee also play a role.
‘Despite my busy life, I usually manage to plan everything well. Sometimes I accidentally schedule two things at the same time. That means taking on too much now and then, so these days my calendar is my best friend.’
Do you notice a decline in the number of active students?
‘That’s difficult to say. At Inter-Actief, where I’m involved myself, the number of active members is actually increasing. However, I do see more students opting for part-time board positions instead of full-time ones. Given all the rules and government regulations, I can understand why students, including international students, are becoming more hesitant about getting involved at UT.’
What else did you win besides the title?
‘Three hundred euros. And that money is going towards a great cause. I’m going on a climbing trip to Marseille in France soon with some other climbers from TSAC. Because yes, I do take holidays sometimes too. That week, I’ll check my inbox as little as possible.’
