So, it’s finally been a year of COVID. We asked SUBers how COVID-19 has affected their general well-being and financial status, and whether or not they felt the university or the government had taken enough action and given enough support for students during this time.
All in Politics
Most news out there, news that reaches Finland anyway, revolves around how handsome Justin Trudeau is, how even Ivanka Trump and Duchess Catherine can’t help swooning over him. Long story short, the main focus is on his looks, not his accomplishments or shortcomings.
On opposing sides of the Helsinki Railway Square two collections of bedraggled tents face off. It’s hard not to see the events as symbolic of the attitude climate throughout Europe as attitudes harden and opinions polarize.
Yes, my fellow Americans, I have attended the sauna nude, with strangers, many, many times now. So, as I sweated my way through my Wednesday sauna session I inadvertently stumbled upon the things I wanted to talk about: nudity, shame, and politics.
I began my studies at Helsinki University in 2008. Now, 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.
Occupation Protests against Cuts at the University of Helsinki
The suggested cuts to 1200 university jobs might serve as a foghorn at the Finnish government, signaling what austerity measures fully mean when directed at institutions of higher education...