Ben

Hi everyone!

My name is Ben, and I’m incredibly excited to be the Secretary of the M.F.L.S. board for the upcoming year. I am 21 years old and I completed my Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences this summer. I finished my bachelor’s with an internship in pathology, and after three years of studying, I was in need of something completely different. That’s why I’m thrilled to be dedicating the coming year, together with my seven fantastic board colleagues, to M.F.L.S. and its wonderful members!

I became active within the M.F.L.S. right from my first year as the secretary (I was already sold on the role) of the JVT. This allowed me to experience firsthand how welcoming and open the M.F.L.S. is, which made it my second home from quite early on. In my second year, despite an exchange to Sweden, I had another year with the JVT. In my third year, I wanted something completely different, so I joined the Almanac Committee, again as a secretary :) I missed being in education a bit, so I also did a council year with the Student Council along with 6 other awesome LUMC students.

As Secretary, I am responsible for communication within and outside the association. This means that many emails from external parties come to me, but I am also a point of contact for all the members of M.F.L.S. That’s why I believe I have the best spot in the boardroom, where I can always chat with members who drop by! Additionally, I manage the membership database, the mail, the (year) planning, and both the physical and digital archives. I also oversee the Almanac Committee, Predoctor Committee and the Career Committee, which I’m really looking forward to! I get to work with a wide variety of people both within and outside the Board and the Association, which makes this role extremely diverse and enjoyable.

Outside my M.F.L.S. life, I live with two friends who also study in Leiden, with whom I enjoy having meals, going on fun outings, or having a karaoke session in our living room. I also like to work out at the gym, or hang out with friends or board members. I love to cook, play board games, or read a good book!

During the week, you’ll find me in the Boardroom for most of the day. I’m often behind my computer, sifting through mailboxes and tidying up minutes. As I mentioned, I’m conveniently close to the door, so feel free to drop by if you have any questions or just want to have a friendly chat or need a listening ear. I’m always up for a cup of coffee in the Boardroom or at HePatho, so don’t hesitate to come by and say hi!

Love,

Ben van den Aardweg