As a working environment, the University is constantly evolving. I have had nice moments in various parts of my career, with various people.

The MA seminar on Finnish language and culture usually has about a dozen students and half a dozen mother tongues. But the seminar has only one lingua franca – Finnish! I am exceptionally lucky to be able to hear this multitude of different Finnishes in my daily work!

Good times are had too during the annual group discussions in the departmental postgraduate seminars held in the research stations of the University. I find that the most rewarding aspect of these seminars is the exchange of scientific knowledge and expertise, learning from others. Talented doctoral students patiently teach their (increasingly old) professor, bringing him up to date.

It is always exciting to plan a new research project together with colleagues and postgraduate students – whether it gets funding or not. New ideas emerge; some of them are forgotten but they may resurface at just the right moment.

Even administration has offered me great experiences, especially when I was the director of my department, working with a competent and humorous administrative team and particularly when we were euphorically creating our new department in the early stages of the University reform. At that time it also felt great to create practices of co-operation in our faculty together with a group that was enthusiastic, discussed things openly and worked together towards a common goal.

However, the very best years at the university were my own days as a student in the laid-back, carefree 1970s. I wish even today’s students the best possible student years!