I began my studies at Helsinki University in 2008. Now, in just a couple of more weeks, I’ll finally be getting my Master’s Degree diploma, marking the end of my university studies. During that time, I’ve seen a lot of changes happen to the system, and my own perception has developed and shifted accordingly. For the most part, I’ve been grateful to have the chance to study in Finland, but I’d be remiss not to speak out about some troubling developments. On the 1st of March, a report on the reform of student financial aid was published that drew heavy criticism. The report, which was commissioned by Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, the Minister of Education and Culture, concludes that student financial aid be reduced by 25%. Some may scoff at the idea of student financial aid in general, and to you I say, it must be nice to be stinking rich, right? For the rest of us, let’s get into why this is an issue.
So, right off the bat, I’m not an economist. Yet my personal experience has taught me that Finland is an expensive place to live. During my time at the university, I’ve had to work on an almost steady-basis in order to actually live a decent life, because the study aid I received was barely enough to cover my half of the rent. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind that I had to do a couple of shifts a week while studying. This is not an “entitlement” complaint such as Talia Jane’s “An Open Letter To My CEO” article that was making the rounds on the internet recently. I was more than willing to pay my dues, so to speak.
However, what we’re getting into now more than ever is whether getting a higher-level education will still be economically feasible to most young adults in Finland. As I said, I got by with student aid and a couple of shifts a week, but if I had my student aid taken away from me, when would I have found time to study in between all of the work shifts I would have had to do to make a living? When would I find time to participate in university activities? What many fail to consider is that university life isn’t just about attending a couple of classes a week. Not to sound clichéd, but your time in university is in itself a learning experience. It’s kind of your transition into adulthood, and, for many people, is one of the best ways for them to find themselves.
Of course, university isn’t for everyone, but anyone that wants to go should have the ability to do so. Otherwise, we end up mirroring the United States, where millions can’t afford to go receive higher-education no matter how desperately they want to. It’s in danger of becoming a situation where only the elite can afford to go to College, and because many high-paying jobs require more than a high-school degree, you’re kind of stuck with the hand you’ve been dealt, no matter how good you are at playing the game. It makes upward mobility so much more difficult to achieve. So much for the American dream, huh?
Matti Virén, a professor of economics at the University of Turku, recently pointed out that students should not receive aid, because they will be able to earn a much higher wage after receiving their university degrees. As Virén puts it, “those left without a study place get nothing; well they do get to pay for the free education and support provided to the highly educated. Money from the poor to the rich.” What he fails to realize, however, is that getting rid of student aid would exacerbate that situation even further. If, as Virén claims, the university is currently a place where the rich get richer, wouldn’t cutting student aid make that even more true? At the moment, student aid is something that helps even poorer young adults actually get a chance to go to university. Then, once they graduate with this ability to earn more money, they return the favor by paying aid for the next generation. Yet, Virén argues that only the rich benefit from student aid. How does that make any sense?
I’m only beginning to scratch the surface of this incredibly important debate, and I don’t have the space here to delve even deeper into it. Suffice it to say, this is more about making sure people hear what’s going on and that we, the students, have our voices heard. In just a couple of days, on Wednesday the 9th of March, there will be a protest in response to these proposed cuts. Students will be meeting in front of the university Main Building at the Senate Square side, at 12.30, before making their way as a group to the Finnish Parliament Annex. I urge you to go there and make your voice be heard. Things have, unfortunately, changed for the worse during my time at the university. As I prepare to pass on the university to a new generation of students, I hope that by the time they graduate, there will still be a university to pass on.
Our first issue of the year is bursting at the seams with content. If you’d like to read more about the importance of the Humanities, check out Milla’s article! Regarding university life, we also have our traditional BTSB interview with the new President of SUB ry, Sampsa Granström. Regarding protest matters, we’re also proud to offer an open letter from Eve to renowned feminist Gloria Steinem about her recent decidedly un-feminist remarks regarding female supporters of Bernie Sanders. To round-out this theme of employment, education, and protests, we’ve got Laura filling us in on her recent attempts at finding a job in Finland, something which is proving to be more difficult than expected.
On the lighter side, Hanna takes us on a fascinating trip to Vietnam, where she recounts her experiences with the locales. After that, why not take a trip to outer space with a short story contribution by guest editor Olavi Laukkanen? Once you’re back on earth, you can check out what albums Eve found to be most impactful on her in 2015, and you can find out why yours truly was totally wrong about Downton Abbey in a new BTSB segment we like to call “I Was Wrong About…”
Also, if you missed it, check out Kaisa’s review of the recent Humanist speksi production! It was published earlier this week in order to be available while the show was still running, but is nevertheless still worth checking out if you haven’t.
Most sincerely,
Jesper Simola
Editor-in-Chief
