The leading candidates of VeSte, S&I and CSF. Photo Resource Elections for the Student Council are coming up. WUR students can cast their ballots to support their favourite candidate from Monday, 19 May, till Thursday, 22 May. Below, we introduce the leaders of VeSte, S&I and CSF.
Who are you?
‘I came to Wageningen directly after completing my secondary school. I became a member and took a room here. I have now lived in Wageningen for four years and am thoroughly enjoying myself. I immediately fell in love with my student club during my first year. The association really helped me settle in during the pandemic. From my second year onwards, I became increasingly active in committees in an effort to give back. Seeing students organise fabulous activities and run their own clubs is fantastic.’
Why are you running?
‘I want to contribute to a great student life for everyone. Student associations play an important part in student life. Students need room to grow in areas other than just their field of study, and, with the uncertain future that flat pubs face, I intend to focus on meeting spots for students.’
What do you intend to do if you are elected?
‘Two years ago, the FOS renumeration for board members was to be reduced, but it ended up being increased. A wonderful success, which was achieved by the Student Council. I want to support active students. Additionally, we must strive to guarantee the quality of education in times of austerity. That includes professional practice, so that your degree retains its value after graduation.’
Fun fact: ‘I come from a family with many pets. Even now, my parents have two dogs and two cats.’
Who are you?
‘I was born in Australia but mostly grew up in Malaysia. I’m really into sports. Rugby of course, and gymnastics as well. I came to Wageningen because I wanted to explore something different. As I grew up in Asia, I decided that I wanted to go to Europe. My parents found out about Wageningen, so I signed up for the walk-along day. I loved it instantly.’
Why are you running?
‘As soon as I heard this was possible, I instantly knew that I wanted to run for Student Council. I’m really excited for the experience, it is a completely new thing for me. That is also why I want to do it. Then I still had to pick a party. All of them are great, but I connected the most with the current board of S&I. Also, sustainability and integration, that is what I want to focus on. I’m hoping to learn a lot that I cannot even imagine right now.’
What do you intend to do if you get elected?
‘The current S&I board is working on many different projects, from making the cafeteria more affordable to celebrating different cultures. Regarding sustainability, they are looking into setting up electronics and battery collection points. I want to continue these projects, work on new ones, represent all students and make a change.’
Fun fact: ‘Even though I’m Australian, I did not grow up surfing. It’s a shame really.’
Who are you?
‘I developed a passion for biomedical research after caring for my grandmother, who died of cancer. Hospital visits with her sparked my curiosity about health. The 2010 Ebola outbreak deepened that interest, and I later launched an anti-malaria initiative and led a sickle cell awareness organization in Nigeria. Since coming to Wageningen, I became president of UCAS, the United Community of African Students, and enjoy playing football at the Bongerd on Fridays.’
Why are you running?
‘I think the Student Council is a great platform to improve this university. I have some ideas already. The AID for example: this is a great way for students to find their place in Wageningen. However, me and some people I know were too late with registrations. I want to see if the communication towards new students can be improved, or maybe the registration period can be extended?’
What do you want to do if you get elected?
‘International students are worried about national Dutch politics. There is talk of limiting English-taught programs and international student numbers. These are national policies, but I think the university can give more clarity to its international students about what the government really wants, what the stance of the university is regarding these policies, and how this may affect current and future students. This could be done via a newsletter, for example.’
Fun fact: ‘My nails grow super-fast. I cut them, but in a few days they are crazy long again. Maybe it could be like a superpower or something, like I’m Wolverine.’
