Now when it’s our second year, we are studying with a hybrid model. Studying with a hybrid model means that we have some classes remotely and some of them on campus. For me, this arrangement is perfect because it gives a bit more content to my everyday life.

Hi everyone,

And nice that you ended up reading this! My name is Viivi, almost born and raised in Rovaniemi (I was born in Turku), and I’m 27 years old. I’m studying international business in Lapland UAS and I’m also a tutor. Like I wrote in the title of this, this is my second chance – I already have a bachelor’s degree in tourism. During my tourism studies, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and because of its symptoms, I couldn’t work anymore in that industry. Last year (2020) I was informed that I could re-educate myself and get another degree. That happened a bit too late, so I missed the joint application period in January, but then later I got accepted to study via direct application period.

For me, international business felt like a “natural path” after tourism studies, and to be honest, I didn’t feel like moving away from my hometown to study something new. That was the number one reason why I stayed here but also, I was really into our curriculum, in which almost all of our studies are somehow related to sustainability. Right now, for example, we are studying Sustainable Investing and Finance and Diversity Management.

First year of our studies was kind of a disappointment at first because we were the “corona freshmen”. We started our studies when the Covid-19 situation was at its worst (or at least I hope that it won’t get any worse from that), so all studies were organized remotely. All of us would have wanted to go to campus and meet face to face all our classmates, of course. But for me, studying remotely wasn’t that bad – I studied half of my tourism degree online. Eventually studying remotely started feeling like the “new normal” for all of us, because what would be better than waking up 15 minutes before the class starts and participating in class in your sweatpants. Now when it’s our second year, we are studying with a hybrid model. Studying with a hybrid model means that we have some classes remotely and some of them on campus. For me, this arrangement is perfect because it gives a bit more content to my everyday life.

Therefore, I can tell, that being at the campus feels awesome! Seeing friends and meeting new people reminds me of the “old normal”, the time before the Covid-19. In my opinion, the best thing about studying at Lapland UAS is the people, both the students and the teachers. I have a situation where I may need some special arrangements and all the people in Lapland UAS have been really supportive. I have been open about my diagnosis and I want to share the awareness, that also disabled people, like me, can do whatever they desire.

Hence, I would like to make a change. I’m not yet sure how but still I would like to. Studying Lapland UAS gives me both tools and the starting point to do that since I can encourage people to get help or support to their problems with their studies. These problems may be related to some previously diagnosed disease or then problems with cognitive functions such as reading comprehension, concentration, or difficulty with writing. If you are currently studying in Lapland UAS and you are suffering from difficulties with studying, do not hesitate to contact your student counselor!

I am not quite sure yet, what I want to do when I grow up (hah), or when I graduate, but I think that I have found the right direction.

– Viivi Vesala, R31D20S