Event Gives Students Chance to Make New Friends and Have Fun

A group of 34 Wittenborg students and alumni had the opportunity to socialise, have fun and make new friends during the Bowling Night organised by the school’s Amsterdam study location on 20 May. Lasting two hours, the event took place at the popular venue Aloha Amsterdam, where four bowling lanes had been reserved for the participants, who played in groups. In addition to playing the game, the students were also provided with free drinks and snacks.

Wittenborg associate professor Dadi Chen, who attended the event and took part in the game, described the activity as fun and highlighted that it was a great opportunity for students and graduates to catch up with their peers. “I published a post on LinkedIn inviting our alumni to join us and they immediately responded. Some of them graduated during the pandemic and had missed the chance to meet and celebrate with us, and so they were happy and grateful that they could have a good time with our current students. On top of that, we also talked about their current life and plans for the future.”

Chen added that social activities are very important for staff and students, and said that he will go on encouraging the school’s alumni to participate in these events. “They are members of the Wittenborg family and Wittenborg will always be their home in the Netherlands and support them when they need it. I really love how these events create a cosy environment where we can have fun together, and it is important that we share our joys and sorrows as well as strengthen our solidarity because that helps us face all of our challenges.”

Student organiser Isaac Pattinson, who is pursuing an EBA degree, said that the atmosphere of the event was really pleasant and that he enjoyed interacting with his peers outside school. “It was also very nice to meet the alumni and hear them tell stories about their life after graduating. There should be more activities like this, because it is a way for the Wittenborg community to bond.”

For MBA alumnus Santosh Sedai, the Bowling Night was an opportunity to reunite with former classmates. “It was lots of fun! I got a few strikes – which I celebrated – and also some funny shots where I did not get a single hit, and we laughed together during those moments. Integrating into Dutch society is very difficult for international students, and the school’s social events make their student life more enjoyable.”

Support Office & External Relations Coordinator Xiaoli Wu, who was responsible for organising the Bowling Night, said that she was very satisfied with the outcome of the event. “Apart from being a fun activity, it also enabled students to meet people from different backgrounds and helped them develop important professional skills, such as communication, teamwork and organisation.”

Amal Orm, studying for an MBA degree, thanked the organisers for the initiative, and highlighted that this was the first social activity she joined after the COVID-19 lockdowns. “We had a great time and, although I am not that good at bowling, there were people of all skill levels playing together and my friends helped me learn more about the game. Plus, we also had the chance to dance and have a few drinks, and the atmosphere was lovely.”

WUP 8/6/2022
by Ulisses Sawczuk
©WUAS Press