I completed my first university studies in the beginning of the 1990s at a time when the students occupied the administration building and instituted a democratic form of government. It was perhaps a golden age in a sense, when studies were still rather unregulated and university culture was alive. I especially remember my first year of studies and the legendary, fantastic and individual teachers, such as Matti Klinge, Rainer Knapas, Henrik Stenius and Henry Rask.

We were a strong group of students when we started and I met my husband in those days. I remember how we met after a basic studies history course in the Pam Pam restaurant in the basement of the Heimola building. The restaurant conveniently opened at the same time that the lectures ended. We sat there for hours on end making the world better over one or two beers.

My other vivid memories are of course the public defence of my dissertation, a trial lecture for a senior lectureship position and other courses I liked to teach. I especially remember a proseminar which was attended by many very talented students. We joined together written and spoken presentations in the teaching. I believe that it was very successful and rewarding for all of the participants.