My best memories from Helsinki University

My fondest memories from my university years are definitely from the cafe in the main building. Since most of the history lectures were held in the main building, it was natural to go to the cafe between them or during breaks. Usually, you would meet other history students or other friends.

The topics of our conversations ranged from studies to sports and from films to relationships. As my girlfriend (now my wife) began studying comparative literature only a year later than I did (in the autumn of 1985), the cafe became a home from home for our ‘family’. The more years pass since those youthful days, the more nostalgic that milieu in particular feels.

By Written by Juha Kanerva. Translated by Olli Silvennoinen. Revised by John Calton.

Juha Kanerva

Juha Petteri Kanerva
Born September 23, 1965

Finnish and General History studies, University of Helsinki, 1984-90

Resident Commentator, Finnish Broadcasting Company’s Jälkihiki (sports debriefing slot) 2010-
Sports writer, Urheilusanomat newspaper (formerly Veikkaaja newspaper) and Ilta-Sanomat evening newspaper, 2002-
Managing Director, Sportslink Oy, 2000–2001
Information, Finnish sports library, 1991–2000

Awards and special achievements
Sports book of the year, 2007 (for Rakas jalkapallo,’The beautiful game’) and 2012 (Urheilulajien synty, ‘In the beginning was the game’)
Nominee for ‘sports journalist of the year’ at Finland’s sports gala, 2015

Written by Juha Kanerva (Riitta-Ilona Hurmerinta, ed.)
Translated by John Calton