Interview with a candidate - Venise Taboada

Why did you choose to apply to be on the board of H.V. Ockham? 

It seemed like a good opportunity to better serve the people of a community that managed to grow on me, little by little, event by event, day by day. 

What is your most treasured memory with Ockham (w/o names)? 

There are so many of them that I wish I had photographs to put on my wall or carry always in my pocket. Honestly, you’d think the answer to this question is ‘it was an event that doesn’t have any photographs’ because of the whole - you know - “the best moments aren’t photographed” thing. But no. Actually, my most treasured memory with Ockham - I have the photographs of this day. I’m standing with people I’ve worked closely with these past few months, and we just had our committee outing. Who knew committees could be so fun? I’m happy we took pictures of that day.

What is your favourite Ockham activity? 

The Second Monday of the Month (SMOTMD) drinks! They’re so creative. One time there was a Stock Market theme that blew my mind, and a karaoke that blew my ears (metaphorically). Looking forward to more fun-filled and fun-themed SMOMTDs in the future.
Imagine if Ockham had an unlimited budget for an event. What would you organise?

That’s such a difficult question, honestly. I’m thinking of a lot of things… mostly thinking, “If Ockham had an unlimited budget, it’d be really cool if that meant we had just the right amount of money to fund each event that we plan.” Of course, that isn’t really answering the question.

I think I would plan a BIG event. Get some big names like, I don’t know, Cees Links and maybe even the Minister of Foreign Affairs (again), and even more people like lead researchers at big (tech) companies, people from the art industry who are well-versed in public speaking and presentation, lots of people… and like, gather them in a “Congress” type event where Honours students can a) listen to key-note speeches, b) undergo relevant trainings/workshops, c) work on cases, d) create, develop, and share ideas, e) interact with important names for their (future) careers - networking is always good! While we’re at it, why not make this event last for a couple of days, really make use of that unlimited budget within our limited time.

It’s such a big idea. But I think, generally, people come to Honours to gain opportunities like that, among other reasons.

- little blue penguin -