Get to know the CD Candidates: Teddy van Amelsvoort

This weekend AEGEE’s spring Agora 2021 will take place online. The GT sent interview questions to all CD candidates. Four of them replied. Here are the answers by CD candidate Teddy van Amelsvoort from AEGEE-Eindhoven.

Golden Times: How would you describe yourself in five keywords?
Teddy van Amelsvoort: Tenacious, sincere, reliable, determined, helpful.

You have an impressive resume in AEGEE, both on local and European level. What motivated you to run for the CD?
There were multiple reasons, but lately I have kept feeling like there was more to do and try. Currently I am in the position where I am able to do more and give back to our association which has given me the space to discover more about myself.

You wrote in your candidature that your preferred positions are Network and HR Director. Why is that?
These positions best suit my previous experience within AEGEE and fits my desire to help our Network.

You mentioned in your candidature that AEGEE has been hit hard by the pandemic. Indeed, the consequences for network size, diversity and motivation of members are severe. What should AEGEE do to make a turnaround? Can you give some concrete ideas?
I think what is important here is that we need to understand multiple perspectives, and come up with a plan together as a Network. That is why I can only commend the efforts of several AEGEEans, including those who have been working on the Agora pre-event. By gathering the input from our entire Network we can create the clearest picture and hopefully create a solid achievable action plan.

What’s your goal related to the number of locals in the next CD term, if you get elected? Do you think that all or almost all current locals can be saved?
I don’t want to state any goals in terms of numbers because working with locals is not always as you might expect as there are several factors that play a role in maintaining and developing our Network. With saving the current locals it depends on, among other things, the assigned Network Commissioner and the motivation and willingness of the locals to improve their situation.

Let’s move on to some personal questions: how did you join AEGEE exactly?
I discovered AEGEE at the association market of my university during the introduction week. I immediately signed up for the cooking workshop the next day to get to know the association better. A week later I officially joined the free tosti lunch.

What was your first task in AEGEE in general and what was your first position in the local board?
I was chairperson of the first first year committee, which I joined by being put into a WhatsApp group by Wouter Boerjan before actually saying yes to joining. A few months after that, at the next elections, I joined the 30th board as a treasurer.

What was your favourite event as organiser – and why is it your favourite?
Our exchange to Skopje as it was one of our bigger events in our board year. We were with about 24 members, including a lot of newbies and after the event people came up to us to tell us that they were happy that they had found AEGEE and us.

What’s the typical food and drink you bring to European Nights?
I actually always try to bring something different, so last time it was Bossche bollen liquor, which is liquor based on this sweet treat from my hometown and probably liquorice because it is amazing and if no one wants it, you can eat it yourself.

Moving to Brussels means also a lot of cooking. Do you like cooking and if yes, what’s your favourite dish you like to cook?
I don’t cook that often, but when I do I tend to make it a big meal, starter, main and dessert. Generally I like to try out new recipes, so basically if anyone wants to try something, I’d be up for making it. My sister tends to take some advantage of this.

What’s never missing in your fridge?
Probably Pepsi Max, that is my favourite thing to drink aside from water.

What other hobbies do you have aside from AEGEE?
I really love doing anything creative but I haven’t had much time or inspiration for it. Aside from that, puzzles, especially Japanese ones, calligraphy, recycling paper, and reading books.

How did you spend your time during the pandemic?
Watching a lot of TV shows, trying to finish my thesis and study as well as trying to learn Norwegian.

What do you study – and why?
Psychology and Technology with a specialisation in IT, because I wanted to try to understand human behaviour and how it can be affected by technology and how human behavior can affect innovation.

What’s your dream job?
Something related to data analysis of human behaviour.

Did you consider joining a political party or maybe want to do it later?
I never have, but my parents keep joking that they think I will be part of one in the future.

What’s the favourite city or place on this planet you ever visited?
Maybe a bit strange, but going to flea markets. I have been going to them with my grandparents since I was 8. It is like this entirely different world where every item has a history.

What’s your biggest frustration in AEGEE?
That we share more critique – not always constructive – than our appreciation for all the hard work being done by our members.

Please complete the sentence: “AEGEE is for me…”
…a place of discovery