Interview With Future Students
This spring, as always, young people are graduating high school, and moving on to higher education. I asked three fresh graduates to tell me about their plans, hopes, and fears for the future! Thank you to Ilon, Vanshika, and 007.
What are you planning on studying?
Ilon: Biochemistry, but I've also applied to study chemistry as a backup.
007: Something related to biology and tech.
Vanshika: I am planning on studying IT, cyber security or AI development.
Which university/ies did you apply to, and what was the reasoning behind your interest in specific universities?
Ilon: My top choice was Turun Yliopisto, because as someone who's lived in Helsinki her whole life, I wanted to live somewhere new. I remember Turku as a beautiful city from past trips there, but I also knew that it was a popular place for students to live. Applying felt like going outside of my comfort zone, which I wanted, but I also envisioned a nice student life for myself there.
007: Helsinki, Aalto, Oulu. I applied to these unis because I live near or have relatives who live near, they are considered high-end, they have studies I am interested in and I know people who go to these unis.
Vanshika: I have applied to Aalto, Helsinki, Haaga-Helia, Metropolia and Laurea. I have chosen these universities because they have a good coding or technology program that I am interested in.
What are you most excited about in regards to student life?
Ilon: I'm most excited to meet new people and try new things. I'm not sure yet what these new things will be, but I can't wait to find out. Obviously I am also excited to study biochemistry, since it's a subject I find really interesting.
007: the overalls, student activities, higher education.
Vanshika: What I am most excited about is that I get to choose what I study and when and where. I like that I will get to be more independent and that I will get to make my own schedule and study at my own pace.
Is there something that sounds stressful or that you’re not looking forward to?
Ilon: I'm scared I will be too busy with trying to do well in my studies but also having a rich social life. I guess I think it will get overwhelming at times. I am also not looking forward to the exams, since I expect them to be difficult, especially since I've struggled with biology and chemistry even in high school.
007: All the reading and studying, the low possibility of getting in, government cuts on students and education.
Vanshika: I feel stressed about making mistakes that may impact my future. I am also stressed about making my portfolio of achievements.
How interested are you in extracurriculars offered by universities? Are you planning on joining any specific organizations, clubs, or boards?
Ilon: I definitely want to partake in extracurriculars, but I haven't looked too much into it yet. I will probably try to join a choir or something music related. My plan is to try different things and see what I like the most.
007: Most likely my subject guild, and since I’ve been in debate club in high school, I will probably join a debate club.
Vanshika: I am very excited about extracurricular activities and making new friends. I don’t know what I will join, but I’d like to join a club that will interest me. Maybe something that doesn’t have anything to do with coding, so I can have a break from it.
While those of us who have already spent time studying can confirm it is indeed stressful at times, we can also guarantee that all you freshers will find the time to enjoy yourselves too!.
On behalf of myself, and all of BTSB, we wish you the best of luck for your upcoming studies.
