For Jana, the award feels like recognition for the time and heart she’s poured into student life. “I also felt deeply honoured knowing that others went out of their way to nominate me. I hope this award signals growing visibility for international students. We’re not just here to study. We’re here to contribute, build community, and create change.”
We’re not just here to study. We’re here to contribute, build community, and create change.
Making training available in English
One of her key initiatives was making wellbeing and stress management training available in English. The idea came from her own experience during her board year at SPiN, where she faced high stress without much preparation. Although board members supported each other, she felt they could have been better equipped to handle the pressure.
Later, in a psychology course, she worked with other former board members to design a stress management intervention. As student assessor, she helped secure funding and proposed the idea to the new board. Seeing new board members now feel more confident and supported is, in her words, incredibly rewarding.
Still, many wellbeing resources are still only offered in Dutch. “That’s why I felt it was so important to make this training accessible in English, so no one would slip through the cracks.”
A pioneer
The jury described Jana as a pioneer. “That made me laugh a bit, because I have never seen myself that way. My friends say I am a ‘head-through-the-wall’ type: I question rules that don’t make sense and speak up when something feels off. I also thought: ‘Why is Dutch a requirement to be a student assessor?’ That moment really activated me. I realised how important representation is, and I wanted to show it was possible.”
Jana hopes the award sends a message to the wider Radboud community. Especially now, she says, with political narratives suggesting international students just come for a degree and leave, this kind of recognition is important. ''It shows we are here for more than just lectures. Our perspectives matter. But for that to be fully realised, we need openness from both sides.”
The goals and challenges as student assessor
Jana’s goal as student assessor was to make the faculty more socially safe and inclusive. With experience from study associations and committees, she already had a good sense of student life. What she didn’t expect was how much time would be taken up by budget cuts and protests. Still, she was ready to bring the student perspective into the boardroom.
Language was a major challenge. “Board meetings are in Dutch. Being German helped a bit, but it was still tough. I had to learn by doing, picking up meaning from context, asking questions, and doing a lot of homework.”
Some people made it clear, subtly or not, that internationals weren’t really welcome in these spaces. That hurt.
The emotional challenges were sometimes even tougher. ''As the political discourse around internationalisation hardened, I encountered situations where some people made it clear, subtly or not, that internationals weren’t really welcome in these spaces. That hurt. I felt I had to be extra good, extra prepared, because I wasn’t just representing myself. I was representing the idea that internationals can contribute meaningfully.”
Making space for others
Her advice to future student assessors, especially internationals? “Grow thick skin and don’t be afraid to use your voice. Not everyone will be thrilled about the extra effort it takes to include you, but that’s exactly why your presence matters. And know that you’re not alone. I had amazing support from the Faculty Student Council and fellow assessors. That makes all the difference.”
“And most importantly: you belong in the room. Even if no one like you has been there before, that doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It means you’re making space for others to follow.”