The Power and Risks of Connectivity
By Bram Leferink op Reinink | Delegate NAHSS 2021
Despite the unforgettable experiences, my NAHSS experience did resemble a farce with me in the lead role and the pandemic as the backdrop. It began with the disappointing announcement that the 2020 edition had been canceled. But not to worry, I thought, I'll just sign up for the next edition. And with success: my NAHSS adventure could begin!
When our society was still suffering lockdown after lockdown, it was impossible to physically organize the kick-off weekend, partner visits and master classes. Therefore, I participated with my fellow NAHSS’ers online in events such as a training from McKinsey, an in-house day from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a Chinese cooking workshop. Everything was organized to perfection, yet something kept gnawing at us. I think we realized that the real power of connectivity - the theme of our edition – was the physical meeting
Online Chinese cooking lessons
My project group with which I conducted research on digital networking for PwC
Therefore, it was a relief to many when we were told that the summer programme will take place physically. The take-off took place in Haarlem. Here we met for the first time and presented our consultance projects to each other. At the end of the day, we flew out to Rotterdam, Leiden or Eindhoven to spend the first part of the programme at a university. Once I arrived in my hotel room - and this is where the farce begins - I received a message from a friend who had tested positive. Since I had seen him the day before, I could only think one thing: after the 2020 edition, now my 2021 edition is also falling apart. And yes, during the night I too began to have symptoms and the following morning my self-test was also positive. In addition to being notoriously nicknamed patient zero, it also made me feel guilty for the people who had to be quarantined because of me. Although I was the first, I certainly wasn't the last. The following days proved that a real corona wave among students was sweeping through the country.
But of course, every disadvantage has its advantage. As patient zero , I was also the first to come out of quarantine again, so I could physically attend the second week of the summer programme. This began with a visit to the Chinese Embassy in The Hague, during which tension rose briefly when a student had the audacity to start talking about the Uighurs. The rest of the week consisted of a program full of inspiring lectures and plenty of free time to enjoy the facilities of the Hilton Hotel in Soestduinen. To top it off, I had the honour of presenting our consultancy project with a teammate in front of our fellow NAHSS'ers and a critical jury.
I look back on the NAHSS as a period in which, among other things, I learned to present, network and work together better. But also as a period in which I learned a lot about the affiliated partners and, of course, China. I cannot but highly recommend the NAHSS and most likely, like me, you will keep some great friendships from it.
Presentation of the final results form the consultancy project during the Face-Off