University of Helsinki
In spite of freezing temperatures outdoors, Helsinki is possibly the warmest place one might choose to spend the winter. I’m not talking about the heating system (though it is generally excellent), rather – the remarkable people one meets daily in the campuses of University of Helsinki: the teachers and students, each carrying their own unique story of their past and future, but all sharing their current common belonging to the university. Enrolled in the International Master’s Degree Programme in Plant Production Sciences, a student from Nepal Shristi Neupane enjoys the high standard of the studies, as well as embraces herself in a variety of extracurricular activities the City of Helsinki offers.
What considerations were crucial for you to decide in favour of the University of Helsinki, Finland as your destination for the Master’s degree studies?
When I was searching for the University for my Master’s Degree, I looked upon my subject of interest (plant pathology) and the research done in that field. The research carried out in the University of Helsinki and the opportunity of choosing the subjects from different majors were quite attractive. Also, the fact that the international students do not have to pay any tuition fee made the decision easier.
What is the most striking difference between your previous studies in Nepal, and the current ones in the University of Helsinki?
Well, there are a lot of differences in the teaching pattern itself. I think, the learning environment here is really supportive for students. The teachers are more like friends and there is no hard and fast rule for anything, so it gives the students a proper environment to think and to do the tasks on their own. In Nepal, on the other hand, the studies are more limited to the pages of textbooks only. Nevertheless, the main difference is in the practical work, which, compared to Nepal, is very advanced here in Finland.
Was there anything that surprised you after the arrival – in regard to the studies, people, climate, or in any other way?
Yes, the transportation system here is amazing. It is so well organized, even in such harsh climate. The other thing I would like to mention is the honesty of people here. I think, this is what makes it so developed and a safe country.
What has been the most difficult since you have been here and how have you dealt with that?
Starting from November, I was really frustrated due to the dark days and the climate here. I was very homesick and I wanted to go back home. But, then I started to spend more time with acquaintances and got engaged in various different activities, like wall climbing and dancing. And now, as I have made so many friends and I rarely spend time sitting alone at home, I have no complains about the climate anymore.
What motivated you to participate in the international beauty contest The Queen of Hearts?
It was during my frustrating time here that I came to know about this contest. Since I am a fun loving person, I was really not feeling well about me not being able to adjust in this new environment. So, I wanted to be involved in something that could make me happy and help me be the person I used to be. Since the contest Queen of Hearts involved candidates from different countries, it provided a multicultural environment for sharing and learning values, cultures and skills, and it was therefore a perfect platform for me – to help me be an international woman. And the most beautiful part of this contest was that the winner could work for a charity project of her choice, which would help me fulfil my dream of doing something for the people in need.
In the contest, you performed a beautiful dance that told a story of how two cultures meet. What inspired you for that?
Through my performance, I wanted to give a message ‘’Unity in Diversity’’, which I have learnt from my country, Nepal. Even though there are people from so many different castes, cultures and languages, we still share the same roof which is our country. I believe that although we may all have our own culture and values, we must all have an open heart to respect others’ culture and values. The only thing that is needed to unite different people is an open mind and heart and this is what I wanted to show, combining two international cultures.
As a winner of the contest, as the Queen of Hearts, you are now looked upon as a goodwill ambassador, what are the values and ideas you hope to promote?
The title the Queen of Hearts indicates the ability to conquer hearts. For that, you must have a heart that respects everyone, irrespective of religion or nationality. As a Queen of Hearts, I will promote the values of love, kindness and respect for each other. Since these values are essential in promoting international and local peace and understanding.
Where do you see yourself in five years? What is your dream job, and why?
In five years from now, I see myself contributing to address the issue of food security, whether I do it as a plant pathologist or as a social worker. My dream is to wake up in a world where there are no people dying of hunger.