Board Blog Rob

24-01-2024

Dear Reader, 

Last October, we were approved to represent SPiN as the XVIth board in the year 2023-2024.  

As a relatively short active member, I was a little surprised when I was called and asked if I wanted to be the new Informal Internal Affairs Officer. Of course I wanted to! 

Otherwise, at the time of writing, I would probably be at my old side job toiling every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in a workplace where I did not enjoy the work and had no challenge. 

To be honest, I did somewhat underestimate the "seriousness" at SPiN as a board at the beginning. We are an association with over 1,800 members and that just goes to show that it is not child's play. I had signed up as a board member because I did not want to work after my master's yet and wanted to enjoy one last year of my student life. After all, corona and an injury had largely ruined my Bachelor time. 

Well, I can tell you that it has certainly not disappointed so far! 

So, my position involves supervising 7 committees, most of which deal with non-study related projects and activities. For example, at the time of writing we are very busy with organizing Insomnia, a sports activity and the Study Trip. But in addition, we are also close to a more formal activity, namely the student-teacher activity. 

It is a super fun challenge to be responsible for guiding these committees. The involvement within my committees is amazing. It gives me so much energy and satisfaction when I see that the others put as much time, energy and passion into their projects as I do and that we can create something beautiful together.  

Then of course the board.  

If there is anything, I can always turn to my fellow board members and that is very nice to know. We have only been on the road for a few months, but they have already been able to support me professionally and personally and I am very grateful for that. I actually didn't know all of them or hardly knew them before I started this year. Something quite strange, because after all, you are stuck together for a year and often see each other not only at school but also at activities outside of it. Fortunately, the atmosphere is good, and I can see that everyone does their bit to keep the atmosphere and friendship good. Occasionally, of course, difficult discussions can arise, but that is part of the growth process for us as a board and personally for me as an individual.  

It is slowly beginning to dawn on me why old board members say that you learn more in a board year than in 3 years of normal work, where you might slowly work yourself up in responsibility, autonomy and difference of tasks. Here, by definition, you are thrown into the deep end, but fortunately with sufficient guidance through manuals and contact with former board members. Because of the diversity in activities, I never get bored and face new challenges every day. Your range of tasks and skills expands so much and, in the background, you also learn something from your fellow board members and their functions. 

I look forward with great enthusiasm to what the rest of this year will bring and of course hope that you who are reading this might consider taking over my position next year :) 

If so, don't hesitate to speak to me in the SPiN room or at an activity. I'll be happy to tell you more details! 

With Spinning regards,  

Rob