Tord Kristian F. Andersen Journalist Tilde Milia Skaatun Translator
TUNTREET
Banner-bearer Fimke
UKA grows and flourishes, the UKA year is upon us, and it’s not long before miniUKA is starting in full. Because of this, Tuntreet has sat down with UKAs chief herself, Fimke Pijfers, and uncovered what she’s looking forward to the most as the best and most entertaining UKE of Norway is closing in. “It’s been incredibly fun – and incredibly strange” is her answer when we ask how she has felt watching the organization grow. UKA in Ås consists of a board of 8 elected members and has hired the lot of 74 committee chiefs during last spring and autumn. Fimke’s “Oh shit” moment came when she realized how many people she has to keep track of, she recalls. A related memory was when a friend of her messaged to say that she had been added to the Wikipedia page “UKA in Ås” together with previous UKE chiefs.
Proud mother hen Despite watching over a lot of people, Fimke doesn’t consider herself a day-care nanny, but rather a proud mother hen. “We’ve been truly fortunate with the hired committee chiefs” she brags. Now that all the positions are filled, the board can focus on the bigger goals like sustainability and environment. To guide the committee chiefs, and eventually the volunteers, is a central part of the board’s responsibilities. Fimke would like to emphasize that there’s a volunteer position for everyone, and she urges all students to apply. “These are the contributions that make the festival possible” she says. Fimke says that you’re free to apply together with someone you know, but she wants to make it clear that you may also find yourself “making friends for life” by being a volunteer. Many will form life-long relationships during UKA. When asked how she feels about this, Fimke says she expects invitations to several weddings due to UKA.
What circulates within UKA? February 5th is the miniUKA release, where the committee chiefs will be hosting info booths and answering all questions. The secret graphic profile will also be unveiled here. Apart from this, the menu for the UKEgrill is ready, and developments of the UKEbeer and UKEsong is in progress. Fimke says she’s really looking forward to this. During UKA2018 she, as head chef, got the honour of eating the last UKEburger. She is embarrassed to admit that this was an emotional moment for her. UKA in Ås is old and rich with tradition, and the festival means a lot to Fimke. But she’s not afraid to tug on the roots of the 50th UKA. Finally, Fimke exclaims “Join UKA!”. Curious students are welcome to reach out and ask her questions. “I am pretty kind”, she concludes.
Issue 01 Year 75 29
