It’s time to say goodbye. The past 7 months in this beautiful country have been INSPIRING.
Kiitos ja näkemiin
Farewell Fulbright Finland
Midnight Sun-Stu
This week we finally reached midsummer and for people living this far north, that means there is no real darkness at night only a gloomy light as on a cloudy overcast day. It’s interesting because we are all feeling energized at the wrong times of the day. For example, with sunshine beaming in through the windows, it feels like lunchtime even though it’s actually 10 or even 11pm. And if you stay up past midnight, any thoughts of sleep are out the window and the new day has begun!
Midsummer in Europe was traditionally a very exciting pagan pre-Christian celebration. In England, it was known as Litha and in modern times is a focus for the balance of the elements water and fire. In pagan Finland, midsummer was referred to as Ukko’s Celebration named in honor of a powerful Finnish god. There are many interesting rituals and superstitions related to midsummer here. For example, many people would have a bonfire and celebrate with friends and family-the bonfire would hopefully ward off any evil spirits that came snooping around. Maidens could collect a bunch of nine different flower blooms and put them under their pillow when they finally went to bed to hopefully bring forth a dream of their future husband. Those girls who were more determined could even use the increase of earth magic to create potions to snare a mate at midsummer. Another Finnish folk tale states that if wandering out in the forest, a person should keep a good eye out for eerie glow of a will-o-the wisp which if spotted and followed would lead them to hidden treasure. Likewise, observing a fern in bloom was supposed to bring fortune and magic to the lucky finder.
For us, the town of Jyvaskyla emptied out for the weekend and sadly bonfires had been banned for fear of wildfires due to dry conditions (a serious threat when almost every square inch of dry land seems to be a dense forest-a modern battle to balance water and fire, I wonder?). We opted for a lake cruise on the Rhea followed by a midnight swim in our local lake. Many Finns leave town to head to their small cottages in order to enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes with communing with nature. As our boat left Jyvasjarvi and negotiated a small canal leading into the very large lake systems that lead a hundred plus miles south towards Helsinki, we noticed dozens of small cottages each prettier than the last peeking out of the forest and across the water. Some were even the sole inhabitants of tiny islands that frequently dotted the water. Many had small docks, but the majority were simply there without any fancy bells and whistles way off the beaten track; a simple place for the owners to relax.
After nearly four hours, our boat, now filled with tipsy and happy passengers (the bars did a good amount of business) disembarked. The sun was closer to the horizon now that it was 11pm and the air was chillier as we rode our bikes to our favorite swimming beach. There were several groups of people young and old sitting in groups picnicking, or playing guitars and chatting good naturedly. One group of young people had a small, defiant bonfire blazing and the fragrant smell of birch smoke drifted across the beach as we waded into the dark water. The evening was timeless and we could have slipped back hundreds of years. Our time here is almost at an end, and we all took a moment to think about where we’ve been and the things we’ve done the past six months, as well as to look ahead to the adjustment of returning home. This special night was a good one for our family even if we didn’t sacrifice a bull or two or even find some treasure. I guess the treasure is the experience we’ve all shared during our time here.
Moi Moi
I am incredibly grateful for the partnership Fulbright had arranged during my time in Finland. I first met Dr. Raija Pirttimaa via email which stated that she was to be my host at the University of Jyvaskyla. As soon as I googled her, up popped several of her articles referencing some of the most influential topics and professionals of special education and inclusion. From the moment she greeted me at our tiny airport to emails she continues to send, we have been the perfect fit. She led the way to so many opportunities and discussions and I embraced each one with gusto. Two of Raija’s researchers quickly became friends, colleagues, collaborators, and hopefully future Fulbrighters. We know that we will continue these conversations with our global perspectives in special education and inclusion. As we say our goodbyes with tears in our eyes, we know this time together has been special and rare. A unique opportunity to really dive deep into how to support our students in the best ways possible. I’m lucky to have collaborated with them, they have shared that they too feel lucky, and the best part is that our students and their families benefit from the time that we have spent focusing on best practices. 💙Kiitos paljon 💙
Blog by Liam Young
Go-karting, even the word just sounds like fun. In the small town of Jyvaskyla there is only one go-Karting place named ironically, gokart Jyvakala. My sister and I went for a long 7 mile bike ride to the place which is just outside of the town. Finland is a very beautiful country and it was nice to experience all of the nature (and all of the hills). About a block away from the course there was a nice little garden by the lake, we laid down a blanket and had a little lunch which consisted of sandwiches made the day before and sliced carrots.
As I was walking up the old tile stairs I could hardly contain my excitement. Me and my sister put on our helmets and sat down in the very small cars. We were ready for the green light, and I was off-the car was going much faster than I or any of use expected. I soon left my sister in the dust. As I got more comfortable with the car I started to drift around the corners. Coming up on my 6th lap I got a little excited and went too fast around the corner and spun out. In its own way it was kind of fun. I got stuck in a crevasse, but I couldn’t go backwards so I had to hail one of the people working there to help me. As soon as I was good to go, I went and got a new personal best. After the time was up, I did a victory lap and got out with my sister trailing behind to see what our slowest time was and the fastest time.
Well all in all that was a fast and awesome day.
Birthday Blog-Meggie
Today’s blog is a little overview of some of the more exciting adventures from the past couple of weeks…
My birthday was naturally destined to be very unique and fun due to spending it in Finland but, my family worked so hard to make it all the more special. The day started with breakfast in bed created by the deluxe well-known Chef Liam. We then walked down to the local ziplining place! The course contained a series of obstacles followed by long ziplines that carried you to the next round. We were all hooked up to a wire that ran across the whole structure so we could go at our own speed and not need a guide. This was very special and I can’t believe that I got to go ziplining with such a wonderful view! After completing the entire course two times and our time was up, my brother and I rode the bus because we were so very worn out from all that balancing and climbing. We met our parents at a restaurant called Naughty Burger where my mom, dad, and I got veggie burgers and my brother got a double bacon burger (oh the irony!) After that delicious meal it was time to go back home where I was surprised by a gourmet homemade cake once again a Chef Liam specialty.
The thirst for adventure never ceases because this past week my family went on a trip to have a look around a fellow Finnish city called Turku. It took us all by surprise because of how lively and outgoing people were there. We have grown accustomed to people being kind but also very shy and quiet here in Jyvaskyla, so it was quite a revelation when we discovered the residents of Turku (I later learned that there’s a large Swedish population in Turku which does provide a more understandable explanation).
All in all a very pleasant and fun start to the summer.
Wishes for Home-Robyn
Prior to departing the U.S., I received a multitude of suggestions about how to proceed with regards to my research project. However, one of the best pieces of advice was to write write write. I began the very first week in Finland thus by now I have accrued a lengthy journal of Fulbright experiences. Within this online “spiral notebook” there was a meaningful sub category of bullet points added at random entitled Wishes for Home. As our time in Finland is coming to an end, I find myself having more and more reflective conversations with colleagues, educators, advisors, even random strangers while waiting in line at customs, and our new Finnish friends. It is now fitting to share, but please note these are just some of my Wishes for Home.
- Creating a staff room befitting a professional
- Maintaining a work life balance
- Listen more
- Respect other’s time without the rush
- Collaborate and negotiate working through challenges
- Trust
- Earn a doctoral degree
- Hän- the inclusive Finnish pronoun that stands for equal opportunity (avoid the stigma of hierarchy)
- Autonomy: Just do
- Acknowledge that one did enough work for today
- Create an environment where both students and adults are at peace
- Inspire colleagues
- All team members have a right to be highly trained
- Implement best practices with fidelity
- To influence attitudes you have to actively participate in the changes
- Discussion of values is critical and change occurs when aligned with an action plan
- Important information and professional developments warrant meaningful advertising to reach target audience
- Show how inclusion is beneficial- then the talented and dedicated will want in
- Just the positives; sometimes that’s all that needs to be shared
- Take the time to experience then REFLECT
- Sisu
English Invasion-Stu
Never one for taking anyone’s word for things, my good friend Ron from England took time to come and see where we’d been living the last five months or so. We met up in Helsinki and toured a few watering holes some more lively than others. Note: Czech bars-good! Irish bars-not so much, although this could be due to our English accents causing friction. Anyway, our focus was to catch up after not visiting for a few years, and this we did.
Ronnie decided to break his English reserve and visit the Alas sauna down at the harbor in Helsinki which has 3 outside pools, one of which is filtered and unheated water from the Baltic Sea. A party of Japanese tourists entered the sauna before us wearing swimwear which by default gave us the excuse of doing so also. I’ve never witnessed a look of relief as profound as that moment on my friend’s face! We also took avantu in the unheated sea pool which although being the start of June, is still exquisitely frigid. My only goal was to immerse myself and enjoy the sisu that comes from such a challenge. Ron’s was to not run out screaming like the other tourists…He did well!
In Jyvaskyla, my good friend got to see my kids who had grown from little guys into young adults since we last spent time together. In fact, it was good to see our little town here in Finland through his eyes. Some experiences, like hiking in the nearby forest were beautiful and serene. Others, such as the Finnish line dancing event, were a little odd and confusing. We did like the country version of ACDC tunes everyone was dancing to onstage, although the spectators were silent and still. Ronnie was surprised by the lack of noise and facial expressions, but took it in stride. Liam and Ron jammed with ukuleles one day. We also swam and enjoyed the sun at the lake, toured the town, played pool, and tasted lots of Finnish foods. Of course, right now we are enjoying long days due to only perhaps 3 hours of actual darkness. This means that a person hardly wants to sleep. It does promote lots of time to talk, though. With hardly any visitors who speak English, Ronnie found himself somewhat of a captive audience for our household…
Although Robyn was not in town to participate, it was good to reconnect with my friend of 34 years and have some deeper conversations like our hosts, the Finns.
Encounters-Meg
I have had many nicknames, some of them are a little too silly and embarrassing to write down at the moment. But this past week, I’ve been given a nickname that I have a love/hate relationship with. Snow White. I dislike it because of its negative connotation of my lack of tan from being in the winter for so long. However, I also love it because it also was used to describe the fact that wild animals seem to love coming up and saying hello to me. For example, there were three hares maybe a touch more than 4 meters from me while I was heading back home from a long walk. I stopped and looked at them without eye contact and they in unison decided to scamper in zigzags over to me, they sniffed at my feet, looked up at me, and then ran off together. These interactions with nature have encouraged me to take more photographs of what I see around me when I’m out and about.
One funny thing happened yesterday that I feel is a great representation of the Finnish character. I was given a lollipop and my brother some candy by a fundraiser I couldn’t catch the name of while my dad, brother, and I were walking through town. Of course, I happily accepted and popped it straight into my mouth. A few minutes later, I find this little girl in a stroller rolling by, she too had a lollipop. She so very nonchalantly raised her lollipop and her eyebrow with a little smile in a way of saying cheers. It’s hard to describe how comical this (probably) three year old’s expression was- but it did make my day; I am sure I will remember this every time I reflect back to my time in Finland.
Blog by Liam .Y 6/08/19
I have been baking with my grandma for a few years, but while I have been here (in Finland) I have been experimenting with different recipes for breakfast foods ie. pancakes and French toast. I came upon a simple for pretzels as they are one of my favorite foods. They combine bread which is amazing and you can choose if you want sweet topping or just regular salt. So, I tried it and it turned out pretty well.
On another note, my dad’s friend came to visit us. We went to the local pub and snooker hall. I have only played a few times before so my dad had to teach me some basics. Five games and one glass of sprite later, it was time for us to head back to our apartment.
There has been a heat wave for the past several days with temperatures into the mid 80’s. So today, me and my family went to the lake and rented a canoe. It has been ages since we have been in a canoe or kayak. We had a lot of fun. I also just graduated from the sixth grade. Next year I will be moving to a different school.
Dad
Finland has welcomed us with their kindness, caring, and welcoming actions. However, their sharing of emotions is quite contradictory to my typical use of vivid facial expressions. I’m very aware that my face gives it all away. This week I especially felt very unFinnish as I filtered through many visible emotional extremes.
It began with the much anticipated arrival of my moms visit. We were all counting down the days preparing for her stay. She arrived smiling but weary at the tiny airport in Jyväskylä. So great to see her and ready to embark on some good old fashion quality family time while introducing her to the wonders of our temporary home in Finland. Unfortunately, soon after her arrival we were hit with the devastating news that my father had become gravely ill.
Being thousands of miles away with over a 26 hours of travel between us means it has been incredibly difficult to not be by his side. My amazing brothers, aunt, and his partner were quick to be by his side and they all kept me posted every step of the way. Across the miles I whispered goodbyes, face timed, prayed, and cried…a lot. What does a child do when they can’t be by their parent’s bedside? This feeling of helplessness is far from comfortable. We looked up flights, started to pack, reached out to colleagues, contacted insurance companies, and made a plan. We are ready to fly home at a moment’s notice. It feels like holding one’s breath. If you’ve ever met my dad you know that aside from his intelligence and kindness he is wonderfully stubborn which is a good thing.
~Robyn
Dad Part II
This past week I went home to be with my dad. It was a quick journey bookmarked by 2 days of 26 hours of travel each way. However, being able to sit by my dad’s side filled our hearts and souls with the nourishment needed to recover from the scare of the past few weeks.
My brother had picked me up at the airport and I literally ran through the last stage of the customs rigamarole to give him and my niece a much needed hug. Despite the late hour we drove to be by dad’s side and with tears of emotion streaming down my face I knew I had made the right decision to come back. My dad and his entire family are indebted to the incredible doctors who saved his life. He has a long way to go, but there was even improvement during my short stay and he is completely committed to following doctor’s orders. His entire medical team is extraordinary, I had never encountered such a kind, patient, knowledgeable, caring, and hard working team.
Knowing he is in good hands, I felt comfortable to return back to Finland and complete this Fulbright experience with peace and a slightly altered perspective. I am incredibly grateful to Fulbright for supporting this decision and for keeping my dad in their thoughts.