Without a shadow of a doubt, my best memories are from my first year at the University. Back then it seemed like everything was within reach and you could focus on whatever interested you. The Faculty of Arts in particular was full of many interesting things and I wanted to choose them all! The assault waged on my personal prejudices by the studies is also something that will remain with me. That freshman year feeling, even though I am no longer the rosy-cheeked and bright-eyed idealist I was in the 1980s.

I actually still dream about the possibility of being excited about knowledge and understanding. While I appreciate administrative work – without which we would not have the conditions that enable research and studying – I still hope to have the possibility for long-term research and writing.

My studies were also marked by activities in student organisations.  I was active in Kronos, the organisation for students of history, and I took part in organising parties and other cultural events. Our student organisation activities culminated in a study abroad trip to Toulouse, France, which was co-ordinated by Kronos and the history department.

Another high point was The Heimola Story, a film written and directed by Markus and Ilari Nummi. I performed in it along with many others who were active in our student organisation.