Decentralize

"Back to school." I remember these words fondly while growing up. It seemed as if every retailer at the time used those three words in advertisements and sales promotions to target kids and their parents prior to the start of the school season. "Back to school" has a different meaning for me this time around. It not only marks a transition from working life in the United States to international student life in Finland. I think I have a slightly different perspective of school than what I had growing up, as I saw school more so as a means to an end. Do well in school, you will get a career and do well in life. Didn't understand why that was the case. Now, when I think about doing well in school, I am not thinking about maximizing myself in an arbitrary grading system that may have various degrees of objectivity here and there. I am thinking about what am I learning by acknowledging facts and challenging accepted points of view. ---- My post today will be separate...

Wow! - what an eventful week courtesy of the Finland Fulbright Center. They organized a wonderful orientation program that was filled with valuable information for our Fulbright projects and exciting cultural events. I must commend their professionalism and their attention to detail as everything ran quite smoothly. Further more, I was impressed with the caliber of scholars, researchers, and students in this year's crop of Fulbrighters. It seemed everyday after the orientation programming we enjoyed each other's company, whether it was grabbing dinner, singing karaoke, or discussing the state of world affairs. It was quite inspiring to be around them. Couple Highlights: Fulbright Orientation started off with a bang on Monday with a reception at the US Embassy in Helsinki. There we were able to network with members of Finland's Fulbright and University community. We heard words from the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki, Donna Welton, as well as from Pres...