Board Blog: Anouk Scholten
Hi all! My name is Anouk Scholten and I am this years’ Chair of TeMa. Before I applied for the Board I did not know TeMa that well. My first TeMa event was the In House Tour in March, and I had so much fun those two days that I decided to come to TeMa events more often, and eventually to apply for a Board position. It honestly is one of the best decisions I made during my time studying. In this blog I will tell you more about my tasks as Chair and what my life looks like as a Board member.
What my week looks like
To give you an idea: together with the boards of other study associations from the Faculty of Economics and Business, we work from our own office (hok) in the Interim at Zernike. You’ll usually find me there from Monday to Thursday, between 10:00 and 16:00.
There’s always a positive vibe in our office. While we’re getting things done, TeMa members or other Boards often stop by for a coffee, a quick chat, or even a piece of fruit.
On Mondays and Thursdays we always start the day with our Board meeting. The rest of my week is a mix of ticking off my to-do list, attending meetings, and chatting with people, whether that’s within our Board or with others around the Interim. It’s busy, but that’s what makes it so much fun!
One of the best parts of being on the Board is all the new people you get to meet in different settings. We’ve got our own TeMa socials and events in the evenings, but we also spend plenty of evenings connecting with other study associations, like at the monthly socials with all the associations from our faculty.
Throughout the year, we’re invited to plenty of constitution drinks from associations all over Groningen, which are always great fun. We also organise mix activities with our committees and other boards, and those are some of the best nights!
With so much going on in the evenings, it’s become a habit for the board and me to have dinner together regularly, it’s a nice way to catch up and recharge.
What my daily tasks are
So, what does my role actually look like? One of the best aspects of being Chair is the variety, it ensures no two days are ever the same. My day typically starts with reviewing my agenda and responding to emails. From there, my schedule is shaped by meetings and working through my to-do list.
In addition to my core responsibilities, such as coordinating the Board and leading meetings, I also provide support to my fellow board members whenever needed. It’s important for me to stay informed about everyone’s activities to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Another part of the role that I greatly enjoy is being the primary contact for external parties (with the exception of company relations). This involves regular meetings with other study associations, the Department of Operations, and even political organisations, making it a dynamic and engaging role.
My experience so far
As I reach the halfway point of my Board year, I can confidently say it’s been a remarkable journey! The combination of serious work and enjoyable activities has made this experience truly special. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and watching myself grow in ways I didn’t expect. My true highlight until now is absolutely learning to speak for big audiences, such as at the Master Graduation Ceremony for almost 800 people or when closing the TeMa Conference. Moments like these, combined with creating enjoyable experiences for and with students in Groningen, have made every moment worthwhile. Each day brings new adventures and lasting memories. Naturally, there have been some challenges along the way, but I’ve come to realise that these moments are just part of the experience.
I hope this blog gives you a glimpse into what it’s like to be the Chair of the TeMa Board. There’s so much more to tell, so if you’re curious or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to meet up or just have a quick call, feel free to send a message to +31 6 12 78 11 27!
> Click here to read the Board Experience of Tessa - Secretary & Promotion
> Click here to read the Board Experience of Milo - Treasurer & Green Officer
> Click here to read the Board Experience of Sam - Internal Relations and Education & Vice-Chair
> Click here to read the Board Experience of Jonas - External Relations
