Category: In English

Student Culture, Four Seasons, Fantastic Finnish People, & Sauna: Life in Oulu as an International Student

This autumn, hundreds of international students from countries around the world came to study at the University of Oulu. For many, adjusting to life in a new country has brought about many challenges, surprises, and memorable moments. With the first month of classes drawing to an end, Morgan Neering interviewed some fellow international students, to get their honest opinion on life here in Oulu.

Ihmiset Ilmiöt In English

TEKSTI Morgan Neering

Rika Nakano, 22
Exchange Student for One Semester
Studying Primary Education & Japanese as a Second Language
Japan

“I think the University of Oulu has more liveliness and eagerness for learning or research compared to my home university.”

Why did you choose to come to Oulu?

What brought me to Finland and Oulu is its education system. I want to be a primary school teacher to be able to make a positive difference on the future of children. Studying in an environment so different from Japan helps me to expand my thinking and change my fixed beliefs that I have created throughout my own educational background. For me, this exchange study is a great challenge.

Has your view of Oulu changed during your time here?

Yes! People say that Finns are calm, polite and rarely enter into the conversation. But, people that I met in Oulu are friendly and helpful to foreigners. I’ve stayed in Oulu for just a month, but I already love the city and the Finnish people.

Do you feel welcome here? Do you find it easy to get to know local students?

I made friends easier than I imagined because there were a variety of welcome events for the exchange student. They were very nice. I have some local student friends like my Kummi and students coming to cafe lingua. But I want more opportunities to get to know local students and people in Oulu.

How does the University of Oulu compare to your home University?

I think the University of Oulu has more liveliness and eagerness for learning or research compared to my home university. Also, the systems like the student app and learning management system are well organized and easy to use, even for the exchange students.

What would you like to change in the University of Oulu?

The procedures were complicated so I wish there was a To-Do list for the exchange student.

 

Britta Bornhorn, 24
Exchange Student for One Semester
Studying Education with a focus on Math & Biology
Germany

“In terms of the people living in Finland, I am surprised over and over again with their unique peculiarities, such as visiting the sauna often or feeling comfortable when no one is talking.”

What was your first impression of Oulu?

My first impression of Oulu was – funnily enough – sun! I arrived at the end of August, and it was warm! You could sit in the sun, showing off your nice t-shirts and sunglasses. Well… if you had any. I had packed for four months of deep, dark cold winter. As if it was -35°C and zero hours of sun here in August. I should have had a closer look at the climate graphs.

Has your view of Finland changed during your time here?

Yes! So far the weather is better than I thought. I have also learned a lot about Finnish history and politics in some of my classes. Whereas I didn’t really have much of an opinion (to be honest, not even a lot of knowledge) about Finland before I came here, now I am impressed by how Finland has developed so differently after WWI than any other country I know. Even if I cannot really say what opinion of Finland I had before I came here, I can now say that I am impressed with the Finnish welfare state. I’m also impressed by the equality and high standards of living it has accomplished. In terms of the people living in Finland, I am surprised over and over again with their unique peculiarities, such as visiting the sauna often or feeling comfortable when no one is talking.

What has helped you adjust to your new life abroad?

Learning Finnish! … kidding. Finnish is just the hardest language. Eight, acht, huit, ocho … kahdeksan?! This project is going to cost some time. However, everyone speaks very good English. So that helps. In the short term (for which I am here) that’s more effective than me learning Finnish, I guess.

What has been your favorite memory so far?

Biking to Hailuoto. At this point, I do not want to brag about myself. I am aware that this must sound quite impressive. Chris Froom? Amateur. Also I don’t want to complain about how sore my legs were, or that the seat of the bike ripped a hole into my pants. I am a person that likes to keep this for themselves.

That said: it was a really great day! We went with a couple of exchange students, we had amazing weather and the Marjaniemi Lighthouse and the beach were just stunning.

 

Lindsay Jamerson, 20
Exchange Student for One Semester
Studying Peace & Conflict Studies and History, with a minor in Women & Gender Studies
USA

“All exchange students are coming in with the same open-mindedness, so take advantage of that during the first few weeks.”

What have been the challenges of living in Oulu?

One challenge I have found myself facing is the language barrier as I have dietary restrictions. Thankfully, I have been able to pick up on certain keywords that have allowed me to identify the foods that I can and cannot eat.

Another thing that has been difficult is acclimating to the new cultural norms. For example, one of my friends is from Germany, and I made the mistake of not taking my shoes off when I entered her apartment. She politely informed that what I was doing could come off as disrespectful, although she knew that that was not my intention. Since then, I have tried to pay more attention to other people’s behavior so that I can do my best to respect their cultural values. There are a lot of things that I never realized would be different between cultures.

How does the University of Oulu compare to your home university?

Demographically, they are the same, which is one of the reasons why I picked the University of Oulu. One thing I really like about Oulu is that the entire campus is connected, whereas at my home university, the buildings are all separate and house different departments. I also enjoy the food selection on campus in Oulu, because it is cheaper and tastier than that at my home institution.

What piece of advice would you give to new exchange students?

All exchange students are coming in with the same open-mindedness, so take advantage of that during the first few weeks. Everyone is in the same position and trying to make friends. Also, try to make friends with people who aren’t from your home country. It’s a lot easier to be with people who are familiar with your culture, but the purpose of studying abroad is to push yourself and experience new things.

What are some things in Oulu you’d like to take home with you?

Bio-waste. One of the things I appreciate most about Finland as a whole is their attitude towards environmental issues. I think that my home institution would not only be open to the idea of incorporating bio-waste facilities, they would wholeheartedly support it. ‘

 

Helerin Raikkerus, 30
Studying Medicine
Exchange Student
Estonia

“There is no such thing as bad weather, if you have the correct clothing.”

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

It is sometimes difficult to accept that everybody dies at some point. A doctor always wants to help his or her patients, but, for example, sometimes the patients have many diseases. When they get an acute, for example surgical problem, and might otherwise be saved by surgery, sometimes it can be even more risky to operate. As a student it is difficult to watch others making these kind of decisions, and it is probably harder for the real doctors to make them.

What are you most looking forward to during your time in Finland?

Hmm… I’ll answer about Oulu. I’m here for an internship at the University Hospital. I hope to learn a lot.

If you could give someone one tip before visiting Finland, what would it be?

Before coming, take a quick look at the weather forecast. The nature in Finland is beautiful and we have four seasons. There is no such thing as bad weather, if you have the correct clothing. Be prepared for hot sunny days during the summer, some rainy days and extremely cold weather during the winter months. Be prepared and have fun.

 

Zsuzsi Máthé, 31
Studying for a PhD in Cognitive Linguistics
Visiting Student doing research
Transilvania

“One aspect that stands out in Finland is the support that you get as a student or researcher, both from teachers and the system.”

Why did you choose to come to Oulu?

When I was in high school, one of my dreams was to go to Finland. In fact, I wanted to experience the real north, which is why I chose Oulu.

In Oulu, I feel like I am literally and metaphorically on the top of the world! Before coming to Finland I have travelled extensively. I’ve experienced different cultures and lands, mostly by doing volunteer work, which gives me a frame of reference and a sense of appreciation towards the unique traits of each culture and country. It also gives me the ability to see how Finland stands out.

What was your first impression of Oulu?

It was love at first sight. It is not easy to put into words the experiences of four months here, but at first I thought Oulu was special for three reasons: the people, the nature and the culture/education.

Nature here has many faces, and each can be enjoyed to the fullest; you just need a bit of courage. Whether it is summer and the sun never sets, or it is winter and dark and freezing, there is plenty to do and see around Oulu.  

The University building, although in some areas it reminds me of an airport, is cozy, well equipped and has a good vibe. There are people of all kinds and a variety that is really enjoyable. You can find everything you need, from numerous student restaurants and cafes to hangout rooms and even dark corners if you want to hang out alone.

In addition to all this, Finnish people are fantastic. Don’t believe the rumors that they are shy and cold. They make incredibly caring, thoughtful, helpful and loyal friends. I am forever grateful for the friendships I have formed here and the people that I met. They are truly special and more than I ever could have hoped for. I am looking forward to making new friends at the Festival of Cultures.

How does student life in Oulu compare to your home University or country?

I don’t really like making such comparisons; each country has its own charms. One aspect that stands out in Finland is the support that you get as a student or researcher, both from teachers and the system. It is a huge privilege and more than I could have hoped for. This is the type of support, which is much harder to come by at my home university.

What has been your favorite memory you’ve made so far in Oulu?

It’s hard to pick just one! So far I have enjoyed reindeer racing (although I only won second place), ice swimming on Valentines Day with sauna, seeing the northern lights on Toppilansaari, ice cycling, adventurous backcountry skiing in Lapland, snowmobiling, and meeting Santa Claus (the real one!). I strongly recommend everyone to try all of these.

What advice would you give to someone coming to Oulu?

My advice to Oulu students and visitors is not to stay inside. Go outside, even though it is dark and cold in the winter, and definitely enjoy the long summer days. Take advantage and enjoy to the fullest all that nature has to give up here in the north, which is really special and unique. Don’t be afraid to dive into the ice cold water in the winter and if the light is not letting you sleep on summer nights, go outside and watch how beautiful the sky is with the longest sunset you have ever seen. Get a bike and get lost on the city at least once, it’s the best way to find some of the most beautiful parks, lakes and neighborhoods that you wouldn’t come across otherwise. Help others if you can if they cannot adjust well to the darkness, get them outside into the awakening bright snow. Your time here is not only a great opportunity to get a good education; the experiences that you make here will always be with you and will shape you into your future self.

 

Interested in getting to know some exchange students? Meet some of these students, as well as other exchange students at the University of Oulu’s Festival of Cultures on October 3rd.

Read more: University in the USA vs University in Finland: An Honest Comparison

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Morgan Neering

An American exchange student trying to navigate a world in which buses are silent and where McDonald's offers a vegan burger. A firm believer in the idea that "we cannot become what we want by remaining what we are."

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Ihmiset Ilmiöt In English

Morgan Neering

University in the USA vs University in Finland: An Honest Comparison

No dorms, no formality, no costs – Morgan Neering lists five things that have surprised her about studying in Finland.

In English

TEKSTI Morgan Neering

KUVAT Antti Törmä

As a university student in the United States, you often hear about Finland and how incredible the school system is here. Headlines from across the globe compare the quality of education between these two countries, almost always ranking Finland higher than the United States.

Just typing the words “education in Finland” to Google results in a long list of articles explaining why Finland is so great.

“How the Finnish school system outshines U.S. education”

“How Finland beats America on education”

“Eight reasons Finland’s education system puts the U.S. model to shame”

And so on.

With so much emphasis placed on the Finnish education system, I was full of excitement upon my arrival here in August. Immediately, I began to notice a stark contrast between my home university and the University of Oulu. Life in the USA and life in Finland may be very different, but there are also many similarities. Here are five things I’ve noticed so far during my time here.

 

Student Housing: Where do students live?

At my home university, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, first-year students are required to live on campus in a dorm. Typically, two students share one room, which usually includes a bed, desk, wardrobe, and chair. The convenient part of the dorm-style rooms is that students don’t have to worry much about cleaning or cooking for themselves during their first year at Uni. Instead, most students have a meal plan through the school, where they can walk to the dining hall and eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You typically pay a set price for the entire year, which could be anywhere from 4000 to 7000 euro. Space is very limited and it takes a lot of time to adjust to sharing such a small space, which prompts many students to move out of the dorms after their first year, and into an apartment nearby. Our campus isn’t very big, so you can easily walk to and from your housing to any event or class that is taking place on campus.

Here in Oulu, I live in a PSOAS apartment. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and space of my apartment, which I share with two other exchange students. We have a kitchen, bathroom, shower, and dining room. My dorm room last year was the size of my kitchen now, so it has definitely been an improvement. My apartment here isn’t too expensive, somewhere around 270 euros per month. I expected the cost of living to be a lot more in Finland, but I’ve found that cooking at home and keeping a budget has helped me a lot.

I really enjoy the convenience of being able to walk to the store, or go places by bus. I never rode the bus at my home university, so it took a lot of getting lost to figure out the buses here in Oulu. However, I have gained a lot of confidence in myself through this process, and am happy to say that I haven’t gotten lost in a whole 3 weeks!

Student Life: What do students do?

I was very surprised by the student life here in Oulu. Back home, the school does not advertise or openly support on-campus parties. Most parties or events are thrown by the athletes or fraternities on campus, and our school discourages underage drinking at any school-related events. Keep in mind, the drinking age in the U.S. is 21, so that means a majority of our students are not legally allowed to consume alcohol.

However, in Oulu, there seem to be a lot of events for students, and something is always going on. Especially in the exchange student housing, there are events or parties almost every night. These student events are a really nice way for students to meet each other and connect with local students as well, which can sometimes be quite difficult otherwise.

Classes: Workload, meeting times, & tests

Classes in the USA are very different than here in Oulu. All of my classes back home begin in August, and last until early to mid-December. You meet at the same time each week, sometimes twice a week. After every class, you are likely to have some kind of homework assignment that needs to be done in time for the next class. There are frequent quizzes, which are usually taken once a week or so. There are also many tests and essays, depending on the course that you are taking. Many of my classes had three tests during the semester, and a final exam at the conclusion of the course. So, it was a very nice surprise to hear my professors in Oulu apologizing for such a heavy workload, when I was assigned to read a few articles and write a concluding essay.

I’m studying Primary Education, so I am taking a lot of ITE courses and some courses from the Scandinavian Studies program while I’m here. So far, they have been very interesting, and I actually enjoy attending class. I am getting credit back home for some of my classes here, but others I am taking simply because I am interested in the topic. Those classes have been my favorite, it’s a lot more calm and enjoyable to just take in information and learn new things that I can take back home with me.

Relationships to teachers: Informality & mutual respect

So far during my classes in Oulu, I have noticed that the relationship between students and teachers is much more informal than in the U.S. In the States, we would typically call our professors by their last name, or by their title, which could be something like Professor or Doctor. Depending on the style of class, there may or may not be opportunities to interact one-on-one with your teacher. It is a new concept for me to call my teachers here by their first name, and has definitely taken some getting used to. I really admire this system as I think it’s a great way for students to learn from their professors in a way that promotes mutual respect and appreciation.

Cost: Free education vs $20,000 a year

One of the biggest differences between the U.S. and Finland is the cost of attendance. Whereas Finnish education is free, American students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, which provide financial assistance to pay for school. They can also receive “Financial Aid,” based on the income of their parents.

However, many students do not receive much money, and pay around $20,000 (17000 euros) per year. Most students have to work while they are attending University, and graduate with a large amount of student debt. Seeing the impact of free education in Finland has really caused me to analyze the system in the U.S. Not having to pay for school relieves a big stress for many students, and encourages people to attain higher education.

 

Read more: Student Culture, Four Seasons, Fantastic Finnish People, & Sauna: Life in Oulu as an International Student.

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Morgan Neering

An American exchange student trying to navigate a world in which buses are silent and where McDonald's offers a vegan burger. A firm believer in the idea that "we cannot become what we want by remaining what we are."

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Morgan Neering

Hi, 5 Places to study other than the Pegasus Library

The Pegasus Library at the University of Oulu is one of the best places to study. It is quiet, comfortable, and you have access to everything you need. However, for many of us, the library atmosphere might actually feel overwhelming. In that case, we can try one or several of the following five alternative places.

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

KUVAT Marko Heikkinen

Tellus Innovation Arena

If you don’t want to go very far from the Pegasus Library, there is the Tellus area where you can find a cozy place to study by yourself or with classmates. There are several open tables, covered areas, and even closed cabinets where you can study for your next exam. If you have a large group of classmates to study with, you can reserve one of the meeting rooms.

As an added bonus, you can rest in the Nest or even take a nap for a while to recover your energies. Moreover, you can easily get a small snack, coffee, or tea at the TellUs coffee shop. Try the espresso! And hey, the students of Kontinkangas campus: your very own Tellus Kontinkangas will be finished in the autumn of 2019!

 

Home

Studying at home is a double-edged sword. While you’re at home, you’re the master of your surroundings, the queen or king of your castle. You can decide how to study, where to study, what music to play, and how often to take breaks. You can prepare the snacks and drinks you like whenever you want. However, many people find working and studying at home very difficult because of all the distractions. It is somehow much easier to procrastinate at home than in a strictly study environment like a library. However, with a little discipline, you can find that sweet spot where you can comfortably study without procrastinating too much.

 

A classmate’s place (or your place with a classmate)

If you find it hard to study on your own, you can ask a classmate or friend to study with you, either at your place or theirs. This will allow both of you to keep each other motivated. Certainly there’s the risk that you will both feed each other’s procrastination, so make sure you are in the right mindset to study together. As an added bonus, you can ask each other questions that you don’t understand. Two heads are better than one.

 

Coffee shop

Some people find it easier to study when there is real life ”white noise” in the background, such as the noises found in a coffee shop. Sure, you can also get those coffee shop sounds online, but nothing beats the real thing. It’s always nice to have someone else serve you coffee and cake, even if you have to pay for it.

 

Outdoors

If you prefer a more naturalistic approach, you may find the peace of mind needed to crunch all those books in the outdoors. You can go to a quiet spot in the forest and enjoy the daylight and the soft swaying of the trees and the pleasant sound of the wind.  Just make sure it’s a nice warm day without wind or rain.

 

Bonus tip: Whether you prefer the silence of the library, the versatility of home study, the noise of a coffee shop, or the peace of nature, the important part is that you set little goals for yourself. If you set unrealistic goals, like reading two textbooks in a day, you will find yourself demotivated. Instead, try setting more down-to-earth goals.

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Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Getting through the homesickness on your exchange year

Being far, far away from home feels thrilling and exciting at first. After a while, a homesickness might kick in.

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

Homesickness is something that most of us have experienced at one time or another. We usually feel homesick when we have been away from our home environment for prolonged periods. Perhaps the first homesickness we experience is when we are children and have to be away from our parental figures for the first time.

Homesickness can be similar to depression (only similar as it is not classified as a depression disorder) and it exhibits some of the same patterns and feelings. These include feeling anxious, being sad for no discernible reason, yearning for your home and your home friends, and reclusing yourself from activities. It can also affect your concentration and academic performance.

Homesickness can be very mild and just be an annoyance, but it can also present itself as a combination of severe feelings which can affect your mood, your relationships, and your studies. Thus, learning to cope with these feelings is of utmost importance.

There are various ways to cope with homesickness, and you have to find which way is more suited to your personality. One thing you can try is doing fun activities; things that will make you feel good and will take some of the stress off from being away from home. Try doing activities which are common in your new place. Take in the new culture and try to integrate into it as far as you feel comfortable. This will allow you to feel at “home” despite being in a foreign country.

Another thing you can try is making new connections and new friends in the new place you find yourself. That will also allow you to have conversations with people who are also homesick and by expressing your feelings you will get a therapeutic effect to your mind. Knowing that others are also missing home will help you feel less alone and more integrated to your new community. Additionally, by establishing new relations with other foreigners, you will learn more about their cultures and enrich your mind.

Being homesick is completely normal and you shouldn’t feel inadequate for feeling that way. If you feel your homesickness is extremely severe and you cannot cope with the feelings, you can try going to the student clinic Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) and making an appointment to talk to somebody.

Remember: there is no shame in getting help. Your mental health is as important as your physical health, if not more!

Whether your homesickness is severe or mild, the thing you need to remember is that it ends, and knowing this will hopefully allow you to enjoy your exchange even more.

When your exchange comes at an end, you might end up feeling homesick about your exchange place after you have returned home. There is a silver lining though: when you do return home, you will appreciate it so much more than before. Rekindling relations with your friends and family at home will definitely help you overcome this new homesickness.

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Marcelo Goldmann

A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Marcelo Goldmann

Hi, 5 Reasons why Oulu is your best choice to study

As a new student, you might be wondering if you made the right choice by studying in Oulu. You did! Not only is the University ranked in the 300 highest ranking universities in the world, but here are at least five good reasons why Oulu is your best choice to study.

In English

TEKSTI Marcelo Goldmann

A renewed University

For the past couple of years, the University of Oulu has been undergoing renovations. This will continue until 2020. However, already you can see the progress with the creation of the TellUs Innovation Arena, where rooms can be booked for small conferences and speeches, as well as student group work. So, welcome to a brand (re)NEW(ed) University!

Perfect-sized city

Oulu is not as big as Helsinki and it’s not as small as Rovaniemi. With about 200 thousand inhabitants, Oulu is the perfect mix of a town and a city. The Linnanmaa campus area gives you a more town-like feeling, but you can always hop in the bus and go to the city center for a more cosmopolite experience.

Student life

In Oulu, you will find no shortage of student activities. Every Student Guild organizes cultural and recreational events. There are also student groups and events for sports, arts, parties, and language. In September, there is a major festival called Vulcanalia, where renowned artists play live music for the audience during the evening. During the day, there is a student fair at the University of Oulu. You don’t want to miss it!

Beautiful seasons

Oulu has some of the most beautiful sceneries during Summer and Winter. During Summer, daylight is present nearly all the time and the night is extremely short. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and going to the beach. Additionally, nature is in full bloom, with birch trees full of green leaves everywhere. During winter it is the complete opposite. Snow covers everything and Oulu becomes a paradise of sparkling white. The days are short and the nights long. However, darkness can lead to aurora borealis (Northern lights) which are a truly magnificent sight. Admittedly, the times between these seasons might be a bit rainy. However, the wait is worth it.

Nonexpensive housing for students

The Student Housing Foundation of Northern Finland PSOAS offers about 5500 living places for students in Oulu with affordable rents. You can apply to a studio-, shared-, or even a family-sized-apartment. The water and electricity may be included in the rent in some of the apartments, and the basic internet package is free of charge. Find more information at their website.

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A Doctor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Oulu. "Life is like a rubber duckie, you gotta keep it afloat to see its splendor." Instagram: @marcelogman

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Work: larger than life

Learn the basics: work is for us, we do not live for work, writes the Editor-in-chief.

In English Kolumni Pääkirjoitus

TEKSTI Anni Hyypiö

In Finnish.

 

Plenty of summer jobs and internships are ending this week. In the ideal case, the trainee is left with relevant job experience, a reference, a nice nest egg from the salary, and an overall feeling of satisfaction. The trainee can feel content for having started the job.

In the worst case, none of these exist, but instead the trainee, having worked all summer, has the start of a burnout and a red-hot hatred towards the whole working life, leaving the trainee asking why they took the job in the first place.

Unfortunately, both options are equally possible, and one can never know beforehand which one occurs.

However, most often work is just work: sometimes pleasant, sometimes boring, at times a bit tiring, often just pretty nice.

 

Work is a source of joy and sadness, anxiety and contentment for the modern people. Some have been given an insufferable amount of work (because the previous round of cooperation negotiations resulted in half the employees being axed), while some struggle to find a job regardless of constantly trying. (Except telemarketing, those places are always hiring!)

Work, employment, and especially unemployment have been hot topics under the current government. According to the latest statistic (21st of August) from Statistics Finland, the employment rate in our country has risen to 71.9 percent. Without a doubt this is good news, even though all kinds of speculations and doubts have been raised where these new jobs have appeared from.

Unemployment has a negative effect on national economy. Still, work is also a question of morality: people feel work is something one must do to be a good person; an actual, valuable part of the society.

I noticed the effect this way of thinking has when I was left unemployed for the first time after graduation. Not only was it unpleasant to make do with a meagre sum of money, the feeling of worthlessness and futility was also hard. No one needed me in anything, so I was not worth a thing.

The gloominess was only interrupted by brief periods of employment: if I was going to have a freelancing gig or a temping in a newspaper, I could once again breathe in the morning.

 

The importance of work is of course undisputed: it secures one’s livelihood, and at best cases it offers meaningful and significant feelings, pleasant fellow workers, occupational health services, and a meaningful way of spending eight hours of one’s day.

Of course, not all work has to be really special, stimulate one’s intellectuality, and look good in a resume. Sometimes work is just work, and it is done to receive salary. And that is enough.

Those who have a job, go sometimes to the other extreme and do only work and nothing else. Work takes over one’s life completely, and every hour is spent on working, apart from sleeping and eating.

Being entirely drawn into work is both a possibility and a danger. Significant, fun, and rewarding work is something one can do regardless of the hours, being completely exhausted, and ignoring one’s well-being. One must have the strength to carry on, as the work is pleasing in the end.

This is something I have run into in other places as well: in studies, in associations and positions of trust, in voluntary work, and in bands.

Sacrificing oneself and giving up everything for the sake of work feels good at first, but only up to a certain point. After that, the results are usually fatigue, cynicism, disgust, and eventually bitterness, in a varying order.

 

Therefore, a reminder for all the heroic workers: even though your job (or your degree, your work in an organisation, the voluntary work you do, or your band) feels like the most important thing in the world, do not let it grow larger than you, and do not let it be the only thing that defines your identity.

Because if you are suddenly left without it, what is then left of you?

This is a wisdom I have tried to teach to myself. When I have drowsily poured my usual cup of coffee in the morning, our office secretary Riitta has given me an excellent piece of advice. She recommended me to pour some water into a glass, and then place my finger in the water.

If a hole remains in the water when I pull out my finger, I am irreplaceable in my work.

Otherwise, I am not.

 

Translation: Kalle Parviainen.

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Anni Hyypiö

Oulun ylioppilaslehden entinen päätoimittaja. Twitter: @AnniHyypio

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In English Kolumni Pääkirjoitus

Anni Hyypiö