When I arrived in Finland from Nigeria to begin my master’s studies at the University of the Arts Helsinki, I knew I was stepping into a new normal, something that is exciting yet challenging feat for my feet. I decided to open myself to maximize this time because while doing my bachelor’s degree in Nigeria I pigeonhole myself to my department facing only academics but now I planned to do more and thus the quest led me to applying for the board application and luckily, I was picked. Now I have served on the board and specifically in the international sector and communication for one remarkable year. Yipee!
Like a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, my journey started from the community of my department Global Music, where I was helped to settle in and settle down into the country and into the school system. And as a university with fast development in internationality, I soon found a team in Taiyo board without discrimination.
The Beginning: Finding My Footing
My introduction to Taiyo was a remarkable experience. The Board boarded the first train to Kunkkula where we had orientation. As a newcomer, I was eager to learn, unlearn and relearn what it means to represent, make decisions and advocate and the Taiyo Board made it easy to integrate and to learn.
Serving in the international sector was both an honor and a challenge. I had to acquaint myself with terms, nuisances and the protocols of the student union, adapt to a different cultural and safe space working style and also balance the responsibilities with academics and board duties. I have learnt a lot in this one year, but the fact is that I am still learning.
Building Bridges: The International Sector
The weight of crossing the shore of my own country has a great toll on me, so I decided to represent my kind of experience. The international student is a student with special need not because of disability but because of support. Therefore, taking the role of overseeing international students’ sector was to the end to amplify the voices of international students, ensuring their concerns were heard and their needs addressed. I alongside the Taiyo Board, organized the International Students’ Evening event which set pace for subsequent events of such coming in the future and I was also featured in Ayy’s (Mante) 3-6months employment opinion piece.
Hop-Off: Travel and Networking
Being part of the Taiyo Board also opened doors to experience beyond the university. I had the privilege of travelling to other universities in Finland, such as; University of Oulu,
University of Turku for meetings and conferences. Likewise, having meetings on different campuses helps me to stay in touch with other facilities. Each journey felt like a “hop-off” to explore new ideas, meet fellow student leaders, and exchange insight on what each union is working on and how to improve sectors and the overall student experience.
These trips were both exciting and educating. I gained a broader perspective on how different institution sectors advocated for a cause, supported their students and brought valuable ideas to try (such as MENTIMETER)
Like any worthwhile journey, this hop-on hop-off had its share of bumps. At times, understanding institutional union structures, long Tuesday evening meetings after a long class and managing a packed schedule was overwhelming but that is what I signed up for.
Hop-On: Moving Forward
As this term on the board has come to an end, I reflect on how far I had come. The Taiyo Board has been more than just a position but a platform that empowered me to connect with people, make a difference and contribute meaningfully. This one year, time flies and it feels like I have not done much but I am glad I have learned.
That is why I decided to continue in that progression and follow the next Board on the hop-on hop-off journey to doing better things in advocacy, and events that concern the international students’ sector and the student union at large. I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to embrace this hop-on hop-off adventures and the journey is really worth it.
Adeshina Omotola
International student/Communication
Taiyo Board 2024
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English (UK)