Foreword chairman FIRST Maastricht

English introduction chairman

Dear readers,

In these times of COVID-19 it is hard to believe that some things just continue as usual. But luckily, traditionally edition 28.1 of the FIRM has reached you like it always does. This year it is my honor to open the FIRM via a preface.

On the 23rd of June, the board Savidis was dismissed of their responsibilities. Board Fresow took over their tasks from that moment on and I can tell you that we have not been idle since then. I don’t have to explain to anyone that in these times there are a lot of uncertainties. We started this year with the expectation to collect a lot of setbacks. But where on one side a crisis produces a lot of misery, it also opens a lot of doors on the other side. Flexibility, effort and creativity are more central than ever and that creates beautiful things as well.

I have to say that the setbacks are way better than excepted. In fact, I am really proud of all our promising partnerships, the already realized activities and above all the indestructible resilience of FIRST. And all that is thanks to you, our loyal members! Thanks to your great reputation, partners are enthusiastic and interested in collaborations. Thanks to your flexibility, dedication and patience we can organize activities, despite COVID-19 in our lives. A well-filled agenda is waiting for you the rest of the year.

Through this way I would like to appeal to you all to treasure al the opportunities that FIRST gives you. Social connections are way harder during this pandemic, but we can offer some help with that in a Coronaproof way. But even more important are the amazing opportunities to get in touch with potential employers, to orientate yourself on the job market and to gain experience and skills by joining a committee. I hope we are able to meet each other soon and I hope to be able to welcome you all to one of our great activities once we can gather again. I have faith that this year will be a very memorable 6th Lustrum!

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Philip, Romy, Rob and Maike for their guidance during the start-up phase of this academic year. Thank you for your faith in us as the new board, I am certain we will not let you down.

Lastly, I wish you all pleasure reading this FIRM. The committee has put a lot of effort in and it shows.

Stay healthy and see you soon!

Sanne Fresow President 2020-2021