Monday 20 December 2021
more than a degree
Naturally, you study to get a degree. But what more can you get out of your time at UT? With this question in mind, Maartje van Delden decided to apply for the board of the Student Union in the beginning of 2021. And since this meant she was working on her own personal development, the Personal Development and Education portfolio immediately held her interest. "I wanted to help students become the best version of themselves."
Personal development
After all, there is much more to gain from your studies than just a diploma. Maartje experienced this herself. "I completed my bachelor's degree in Technical Medicine quite quickly," she says. "But I was still enjoying my student days . I wasn't ready to leave this place yet." So Maartje asked herself : 'How can I get more out of my time as a student and use this time for my personal development?' She found the answer at the Student Union.
Making an impact
After an extensive application procedure, Maartje became a board member of the Student Union with Personal Development and Education. Under the motto 'empower students so they can achieve more than a degree', she has spent the past year motivating and supporting other students to engage in extracurricular activities. And also to recognise and reward their efforts. "Within the Student Union you are truly involved 'like an adult'. You engage with different people and departments in the organisation and are able to make a real impact on the students."
for and by students
"At UT there is an existing culture created for and by students," Maartje feels. "Participating in an association and starting your own business are very much encouraged and is also been done a lot." Nevertheless, there is still a group of students who do not (yet) feel addressed or who are not yet aware of the importance of personal development. "We are trying to create an overview of what is possible within and around the UT. In addition, I believe that the educational system should pay more attention to talent development; after all, it is an essential part of the person who will be graduating from the university.”
Next steps
Partially as a result of Maartje's efforts, the Student Union has already achieved some great results over the past period. For example, the process of handling student feedback has improved and more and more people are reached by the ' more than a degree' message. Also, there is a recognition for activism, signed by Maartje and the Rector Magnificus, which students can add to their LinkedIn page. "We want to expand that, so other student contributions are also recognised and valued." A job for the next board member of the Student Union, because in February Maartje will step down. Whether she now feels recognised and appreciated? "At the Student Union you are genuinely rewarded by the whole organisation, but it is not yet a given that there are always students present at important meetings. That is why I was glad to join the SEG: Individuals & Teams. We can still do better in terms of student involvement throughout the UT."