Interview with Itiwana's Internal Affairs Officer - Chloe Reijmer

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role as the internal affairs officer of Itiwana?

Hiii, my name is Chloe Reijmer and I’m the Internal Affairs Officer of Itiwana, the study association for Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University. In addition to that, I’m also the Chair of the Travel and Activities Committees, which means I get to help organize, in my opinion, some of the most exciting events and trips for our members!

As Internal Affairs Officer, my role is all about keeping things running smoothly within the association. I focus on ensuring good communication between the board, committees, and members, while also overseeing evaluations to make sure we’re always improving. I want Itiwana to be a space where students feel welcome and engaged, whether they’re attending events, joining committees, or just looking for a sense of community.

As Chair of the Travel and Activities Committees, I get to work with an amazing team to plan fun and enriching experiences—everything from activities, parties to international study trips. It’s such a rewarding role because I see firsthand how these activities bring students together and create unforgettable memories. It’s a lot of work, but honestly, it brings me much joy!

What motivated you to take on this position, and what do you enjoy most about being part of the board?

I’ve always loved being involved in student life, and I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way to the Itiwana community. Taking on the role of Internal Affairs Officer felt like the perfect opportunity to help create a welcoming and supportive environment for students that I would have wanted when I began university. I love bringing people together, making sure their voices are heard, and improving how things run behind the scenes. Plus, I’ve always been a bit of a planner and problem solver, so stepping into a leadership position where I could really make a difference was exciting.

What I enjoy most about being part of the board is definitely the people. I’ve met so many amazing students through this role, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see friendships form because of the events and activities we organize. Working with my fellow board members has also been an incredible experience—we all bring different strengths to the table, and it’s so fun collaborating to make Itiwana the best it can be.

In my committees, I get to be part of creating unforgettable experiences for our members. Seeing students explore new places, bond over shared adventures, and step out of their comfort zones is honestly the best feeling!

How do you ensure good communication and collaboration within the association and between its members?

Communication is key, and I always try to keep things as open, clear, and positive as possible! Within the board, we have regular meetings where we check in with each other and discuss any issues or ideas. I also keep in touch with committee members frequently, making sure they have the support they need and that their voices are being heard.

Evaluations play a huge role in keeping everything running smoothly. After events and activities, I make sure to gather feedback from members so we can learn what worked well and what can be improved. I really encourage honesty in these discussions because that’s how we grow!

Within committees, I put a lot of focus on teamwork. Planning trips and events requires a lot of coordination, so I make sure everyone is on the same page and that responsibilities are divided clearly. I also think it’s super important to keep things fun—when people enjoy working together, communication and collaboration happen naturally.

Overall, my approach is to be approachable, proactive, and always willing to listen. At the end of the day, Itiwana is all about bringing people together, and good communication is the foundation of that!

What are some challenges you've faced in your role, and how have you tackled them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing all my different responsibilities. Between being Internal Affairs Officer and chairing two committees, there’s always something that needs to be done! It can feel overwhelming at times, but I’ve learned to stay organized by planning ahead and prioritizing tasks. I also remind myself that I don’t have to do everything alone—delegating and trusting my team is key!

Another challenge has been keeping engagement high throughout the year. In the beginning, everyone is super excited, but as the semester goes on and workload increases, participation can drop. To tackle this, I focus on keeping events fresh and interesting. I ask members for input on what they want to see, and we try to come up with creative and unique ideas to keep people involved.

I’ve also had to navigate differences in opinion within committees or between members. When conflicts arise, I focus on open discussion and mediation, making sure everyone feels heard and valued. At the end of the day, every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and overcoming them has only made me more confident in my role!

What advice would you give to students who are interested in becoming more involved with Itiwana?

If you’re thinking about getting involved with Itiwana, I’d say go for it! There are so many ways to participate, whether that’s by joining a committee, attending events, or even running for a board position. Itiwana is a great way to meet people, gain experience, and make your time at university more fun and engaging.

If you’re not sure where to start, just come to an event and see what it’s like! You don’t have to commit right away—just getting to know the community can help you figure out what interests you. If you enjoy organizing things, committees are a great way to contribute while also developing useful skills in teamwork and event planning. And if leadership interests you, being on the board is an amazing opportunity to learn and make an impact.

The best thing about Itiwana is that it’s such a welcoming and supportive space. You don’t need any prior experience, just an open mind and a bit of enthusiasm. So, if you’re curious, take that first step—I think you’ll be glad you did!