Kick start to 2013!

Last week as technically my turn to blog but I promised to write about SAMOK’s Lähtölaukaus cruise, and as it ended yesterday, I am stealing an extra day to do what I have promised.

Still looking sharp....

So Lähtölaukaus is a sort of start-of-the-year-seminar for over 200 student activists from students unions across the country. It is organized, as mentioned in my last blog, the Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK in short). All of JAMKO attended as it was excellent opportunity not only to meet the representatives of our co-organisations but also to get trained and hear what’s going on nationwide in terms of student politics.

Intense program

Despite the fact that the two days were intense, full of interesting talks and sessions related to educational policy, social policy, student wellbeing, student sports, student issues on European level etc. it was very useful and insightful. As the trusteeship secretary, learning more about the processes of what will or might happen with student financial aid or the upcoming changes in AMK (University of Applied Sciences) laws and how they will affect students all over the country.

It was my first Lähtölaukaus (or lähtis as it is more familiarly known) but there were people who were there for the fourth time! I admire their basic physical condition as the whole trip can be a bit stressful our sports and educational representatives had to take a little power nap in between two talks during the second day.

...not looking sharp anymore.

I think one of the greatest things about lähtis is seeing so many incredibly enthusiastic and active students working together towards common goals and willing to dedicate their time and put their hearts and minds into achieving their goals. It reinforces my faith in the work we do; work that is not always that easy, but ever so rewarding.

So filled with new energy and hopeful ideas, I look forward to year 2013 in the field!

-Reeta