Election season is here! The first posters are appearing on campus and there are whispers in the streets of who might run for what coveted big board position. For the first election interview of the season, Tabula Rasa’s Eden sits down with Jelle Hubertse.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Jelle Hubertse and I’m 19 years old. I’m an interdepartmental major, including cognitive science psychology and linguistics, but I’m interested in way more. I’m currently in my fourth semester and I’m originally from Hengelo.
What position are you running for?
I’m running for the position of RASA Chair.
And why are you running for this position specifically?
I always liked the idea of being in RASA, of being able to organise community-wide events that are meant for everyone. Additionally, I think I’m most suitable for the position of Chair within the RASA board. I’m not particularly keen on budgeting and although I am organised, the position of secretary just doesn’t really do the job for me. I’ve experienced being Bagijnhof campus elder and I think quality-wise, I’ll be able to keep a very good overview and I think I can be a very motivating factor. And I think a Chair has to have those two qualities.
I think RASA would suit me the best out of the big boards. I’ve been in HAC, which I really liked, and I’m not that focused on academics myself, so being a part of AAC wouldn’t necessarily be my thing. Although I like the idea of Elliott and I really love we have our own common house, I like the idea of being a part of an association more. With an association like RASA, we’re working for a group of people, the students, whereas Elliott additionally has to focus on generating money to pay off debts.
Why should people vote for you as the next RASA Chair?
I’m not afraid to think outside of the box. Another thing is that I’m very honest, with myself but also with everyone else. With that, I always try to be as fair as possible. I think I have some great ideas for RASA, with first of all, reflection. If elected, I would really focus on the element of reflection. This doesn’t mean not doing fundamental things or making changes, but it would definitely incorporate reflecting on things that have happened to RASA in the past, for example CLF (Campus Life Fee), the new Dean, RASA board members leaving, the sports centre. I see these changes happening, but I don’t necessarily see what RASA does with them or what the student community gains from them. For example, with the sports centre, I think we should really critically evaluate what the student community actually gains from it and weigh this against the burden of having one. After having talked to many people involved in the sports centre, not all accounts are very positive. I think it is time for RASA to purposely reserve some time to fully reflect on matters like this.
Last question: if you would be a Harry Potter character, what house would you be sorted into and why?
I really like this question! I did the Pottermore test and I was sorted into Gryffindor, which might make sense. Ravenclaw is a bit more academic-focused, which is not really me, and I really like Slyhtherin as well, and I love Hufflepuff as well. Although I’m looked upon as a teddy bear sometimes, which would fit into Hufflepuff, but then I guess the sorting hat sorted me into Gryffindor for a reason…
Eden van der Moere, Class of 2017, is a linguistics, literature and theatre & media studies major from Goes, the Netherlands.
Featured photo by Gerjanne Hoek.
