Name: Rick Veenboer
Age: 21
Rick in three words: Mister Friendly Himself

Rick on the SPIL:
My love for the SPIL is one that grew slowly. In my first year I did not join many of my fellow freshmen on the SPIL introduction weekend due to the fact that I was on vacation. My primary reason then to join the SPIL was the discount that it gave me on my books. However, in my second year of studying I was slowly drawn into the SPIL by my friends, I started to do committee work and participated in more activities. The absolute culmination of my SPIL career so far was me being a member of the introduction weekend committee. I enjoyed organizing a weekend from scratch and having the oppertunity to get to know so many new people. Eventually for me the choice to apply for the board was an easy one, I can think of no better way to experience a year of personal growth, a year filled with educational and social activities!

Rick about political science:
My choice for political science is unlikely to fit the picture of the Rational Choice Theory. The choice was based on feelings and luck, I had no idea what else to study, politics was simply one of my main interests. Ultimately I have to state that I made the right choice. I find many courses that I have had so far very interesting, in particular the courses dealing with the philosophical side of Political Science. The questions what the proper form of government is, what good policy is and what political justice is, are in my view the most important ones that a political scientist can ask himself.

Rick on politics:
In my youth my parents raised me with always watching the 8 o'clock news and so I've always been interested in politics and current affairs. I find it difficult to determine my exact position in the political spectrum, that's the main reason why I have not joined a political party yet. I have a love-hate relationship with politics, I sometimes find it appalling how politics can work, on the other hand I think it is a mighty interesting phenomenon.

Rick in ten years:
Where do you see Rick about ten years from now? A) Unfortunately died from a fatal burn-out due to the heavy workload of this executive year. B) Happily won the state lottery, enjoying his second home in Uruguay C) A nice job, a nice wife and a Nobel Peace Prize  D) A dusty official