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