Coming from Utrecht, my choice for the UT was quite easy; here attention is paid to the individual student. I became a member of AEGEE-Enschede and with that, I noticed this attention even more in student life. By coming into contact with many types of students, I discovered how varied you can share your own life here and in how many areas you can learn. I chose to do committees purely to see what this could bring me. From small committees meant for learning, I am step by step towards large committees that work like a well-oiled machine and eventually a full-time board year, all thanks to the association. At the same time, I noticed that my fellow students were also developing, and, although sometimes in completely different ways, it showed how stimulating we are here in Twente.
Only after walking around here for a year, it became clear to me what makes all this happen, namely the closely connected network of students that is committed at all available levels. This activism forms a system with which we directly ensure that the processes here run smoothly (after all, students are the experts by experience in what students organize), and the essential side effect is that we offer an environment in which development is strongly stimulated! You won’t find this kind of expertise in a book.
In my first year I found a varied house, a close-knit year club and an excellent sorority. I had and still have a lot of fun with this one and it is a foundation on which I have been able to build myself further. I learned how important it is to value diversity and openness, because the best social development and professional knowledge comes from an environment where you come into contact with as many types of people and scenarios as possible. Gaining experience in this area is separate from the study and can work differently for everyone.
I grant everyone to get the most out of their student days, just like me, and to vote for themselves: The Ambitious Student!
Nederlands