Rory Kolkman is the incoming SGA President for Webster Leiden. In this interview, he discussed his studies, his plans for his term in office and what he hopes to do for a career after he graduates.
Where are you from?
I’m actually half Dutch and half Indian. I lived in Dubai for 18 years before I came
here to Leiden. This is the first place I’ve lived abroad.
What’s your major?
I’m a second year student and I’m doing a double major in Business Management and
Media Communications. My mom has always been a big inspiration. She worked as a brand
manager for Emirates Airlines. When I started looking for universities, I began searching
for a program and courses that were in line with that.
What has it been like to serve as the SGA President so far?
I’m in the process of taking over the role now. It’s been a pretty good start. My
colleagues and I are always using WhatsApp to message one another, organize things
and plan events that are coming up. Each week we’ll have a meeting. At the beginning
of each month, we’ll also consult with the academic directors and Jean Paul van Marissing
to talk about things we can improve and things we can get involved with around campus.
What are some of your plans?
I’d like to find a way to delegate work at a more efficient level. It’s something
that I discussed with the previous president. We’re also planning on doing some events
with Quintus, a Dutch student organization. I really want to help our students expand
their horizons a bit. I think it would be interesting to help students here experience
more Dutch culture, meet more Dutch people and get a closer look at the Dutch lifestyle.
Do you think it will be difficult to juggle your studies with your duties as president
?On average, I expect to spend about 10 hours a week working as the president. I don’t think it will ever get to the point where it will get over the top.