Candidates for the Board and President of SYL 2024

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for president of SYL.

I am Jenni Suutari, a political science student, and a determined and insightful student influencer from Jyväskylä. I serve on the board of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) with responsibilities in educational policy and collaboration with the European Students’ Union (ESU). Last year, I was responsible for higher education policy as vice chair of the board of the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY). I have held various positions of trust and led both smaller projects and larger organisations.

SYL needs a chair like me who understands the political processes and has a broad knowledge of students’ everyday life, as well as the ability to lead the organisation in tough situations as well. The SYL I would lead offers solutions to improve student life, but is not afraid to criticise measures that would negatively affect the student experience.

I know how to lead advocacy, get the student unions involved and help the organisations achieve their goals. I’m a systematic leader, but I can take the reins in unexpected situations too. I always seek solutions that take everyone’s perspectives into account.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

1. Investing in more impactful advocacy

Foresight and vision make for effective advocacy. I bring further systematic and insightful leadership to advocacy. I will improve SYL’s and the entire student movement’s preparedness for influencing student affairs. I also put an effort into envisioning new things.

2. Investing in more persuasive communication

Highlighting goals in public discourse is important, because it puts pressure on decision-makers. I will develop SYL’s media collaboration to ensure our goals appear in the news more frequently. I will lead the development of SYL’s communication to achieve greater visibility. Instead of blogs, SYL must focus on social media content.

3. Closer and more open partnership between the student unions is needed.

A united student movement is the most effective. I will build an open relationship with the student unions. I will ensure the equality of operations and the even distribution of information. This past year, I have met with the student union educational policy sectors in person, and next year I will continue to do so in order to ensure that the student unions can influence SYL’s activities.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy?

Improving the financial situation of students is the most important advocacy goal for next year. SYL must ensure that the cuts to student income are compensated as part of the reforms of the student financial aid system. To ensure the adequacy of student income and its compatibility with other social security benefits, the reforms must be implemented as part of a broader social security reform.

SYL also needs to highlight the benefits of broad-based education for society and the effects of chronic underfunding of universities on students. In its own capacity, SYL must also ensure the operating conditions of the student unions.

As chair, I will ensure that SYL builds close relationships with decision-makers and prepares more systematically for influencing budgetary matters. I will collaborate more with stakeholders, creating a broader front behind the objectives. By developing media collaboration, I will ensure that student issues stay in the news. To facilitate discussions with the entire student movement about the priorities of advocacy, I will lead a comprehensive update of the policy paper, which is like a patchwork.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for president of SYL.

I am Akseli Tiitta, a student of economics and computer science, and currently I am serving as chair of the board of the Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY). My dream job is to be Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. My free time is spent training for marathons, playing the guitar, skateboarding, and on weekends I DJ at nightclubs.

I am an experienced leader, and I have a vision for how to develop SYL’s organisation to achieve its goals. I am motivated and capable of leading the student movement in a difficult political environment, and I want to find the most effective ways for SYL to make an impact. As an independent candidate, I can effectively represent higher education students from throughout Finland.

I am known as a cheerful and energetic leader who never loses his optimism. This is the kind of enthusiasm and hopeful realism that SYL needs from its leadership. The chair of SYL does not have time to learn leadership or plan the development of the organisation.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

SYL needs a strategy that clarifies the means and goals of its advocacy activities. Advocacy must be based on the relevant context. Therefore, during the term of office of the upcoming board, the strategic nature of SYL’s operations will be highlighted. Every stone must be turned to improve the status of students, but it will not happen with old methods and objectives.

I want to lead SYL openly. SYL exists for the student unions, and so open and active discussions must be held with them. The student unions often see SYL as distant, which is not good for the unity of the student movement. We have the most clout when higher education students from all over Finland share the same vision for the future. Investing in genuine trilingualism is SYL’s responsibility, so that every Finnish higher education student has the opportunity to participate in the national union’s activities.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy?

In 2024, SYL must reposition its advocacy and consider what can be achieved during the board’s term. Even a small improvement in student’s daily life is always a victory for advocacy. SYL cannot pursue the impossible, but in advocacy the balance between idealism and realism must be clarified. The most important advocacy goal is to keep students’ issues in the public debate and stimulate discussions on intergenerational equity. SYL must have a constructive influence, bringing new proposals to the table and finding common ground with current decision-makers. The needs of students who require assistance and support must be recognised.

Students’ livelihood and mental health remain important topics. In 2024, we must influence the social security reforms, strategic work regarding the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), the comprehensive reform of student financial aid, and the update of the higher education funding model, particularly regarding the incentives for universities.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for president of SYL.

My name is Aino Halinen, I’m a third-year social studies student from Tampere. I’m a tough social policy chick, but I also have a ready laugh, I’m a quick learner and a dyed-in-the-wool scout. I’m an influencer who gets fired up about a lot of things, coming up with ideas and visions together.

Over the past year, as a member of the board of the Student Union of Tampere University (TREY), my desire for student advocacy has flared up even more and I want to continue to vigorously work for a better quality of life for students. What motivates me to work at SYL is the feeling of meaningfulness – the feeling of being able to concretely work to serve the interests of my community.

I think that in me, SYL would have a motivated, productive and competent doer. I am ready to roll up my sleeves to work for better student livelihoods, wellbeing, smoother everyday life and climate action.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

The relationship between SYL and the student unions seems to be an eternally unsettled issue. As a member of the board, I want to help develop a more interactive relationship, timely communication, dialogue between the student unions and SYL, and inclusive processes.

I want to be involved in developing SYL’s activities so that more and more students feel that they are part of the national union’s advocacy, and at the same time part of the movement. Distance and hierarchy need to be done away with. To achieve our goals, we need a strong and united movement.

As a member of the board, I will strive to ensure that SYL recognises better the many ways of influencing and the importance of student and student union self-organised activities. I want students to see SYL as a partner that’s close to them, not as a separate entity or the only true representative of students.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy?

I am especially interested in the social policy sector! Although I am willing to work on all aspects of social policy, I have particular knowledge of and insight into Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) issues.

In addition, I have plentiful previous experience and detailed knowledge of development cooperation and sustainable development, which is why I would be very happy to add these sectors to my portfolio as well!

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for the board of SYL.

Hi! I’m Onni, a social science student from Tampere. I am the vice chair of the Student Union of Tampere University (TREY) and have also been in charge of election advocacy, national education policy and university administration.

I’m running for the board of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) because I want to be an advocate, where there is room for influence, for a better life for students and for quality and free education. I am a tough, skilled and relentless advocate who can lobby anyone, regardless of party affiliation or background. I’m not afraid to speak up and put the student movement’s views across, even when the going gets tough.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

SYL has worked long and tirelessly for students and education, and I want to continue this. SYL must be not only a reliable negotiating partner, but also an unswerving advocate for students, giving praise for good work but not afraid to show its dissatisfaction and use its expertise to provide better solutions. Tough advocacy must not mean that all student union actors, regardless of their background or sector, cannot feel that SYL is their own. Training and seminars should serve all participants, regardless of sector.

What areas interest you most in board work?

The core of my expertise is education policy, and that’s what I want to do above all in SYL. I am particularly interested in the funding and accessibility of education, as well as the development of the student admissions system.

I am also interested in international affairs and sustainable development, and I’m well placed to act as vice chair.

The candidate’s answers are not available due to time constraints.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for the board of SYL.

I’m Totti Korpua, a master’s student in Art Education at Aalto University. This year, I’m responsible for education policy, elections and welfare on the board of Aalto University Student Union.

I have extensive experience in education policy. I get to the bottom of things and find good places to make a difference. I bring people together and create a supportive atmosphere in which things get done. I’m motivated by free high-quality education that supports the well-being of students.

I’ve been deeply involved in university decision-making as a student representative in administration, and as the chair of a higher education organisation and student association. I have experience in significant administrative changes, creating visions and crafting policy papers. As an advocate, I’m at my best when interacting with people and seeking common goals.

I’d be a motivated advocate for SYL, on the streets and in boardrooms. This is needed to keep the issues of students’ livelihood, the ability to study and inclusion on people’s minds.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

SYL should be a motivating force for its members and students, encouraging them to have a broad impact on society. I want to be involved in developing SYL into an organisation that’s influential and visible and engages in dialogue.

SYL’s advocacy must be resolute, not only in negotiation rooms and working groups but also in public discourse. Next year, in addition to meetings, we must focus on media and find the most effective ways to make the voice of students heard in both traditional and social media.

The entire movement must feel that SYL exists for its members. That way, our advocacy will be strong and effective. This requires proactive communication throughout the field and real trilingualism, also beyond the General Assembly.

What areas interest you most in board work?

I’m particularly interested in themes related to educational policy, such as the structures, funding and accessibility of education. EU education policy is particularly important in the year of the European Parliament elections, and I want to contribute to SYL’s election advocacy to ensure that the voice of Finnish students is heard in the EU.

In addition to education policy, I’m interested in the livelihood of international students and Students at Risk, as well as social security and housing issues.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for the board of SYL.

I am Linnéa Partanen from the University of Helsinki and the Left Students of Finland (Vasop). I study social policy, and currently I serve on the board of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) with responsibilities for student income, climate and the environment, and also parliamentary elections. I led HYY’s parliamentary election advocacy campaign, which culminated in a prominent candidate panel discussion that I hosted, with over 200 participants. I also organised a sitsit (academic dinner party) for parliamentary representatives, which was praised by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s State Secretary as the best lobbying event he had ever attended.

I have experience in influencing both at the university level and in civil society. For example, I have been involved in poverty-related activism for years in the “Kuka kuuntelee köyhää” (Who listens to the poor?) network. I have been a student activist from the beginning of my studies, both in the student union council and as a student representative in the programme’s steering group. In these years, I gained experience in public speaking, and I am not afraid to advocate for students’ rights even in high-pressure situations.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

In SYL, I want to continue working boldly and visibly for a fairer and more sustainable society. I want to take SYL in a bolder direction, where we use our full potential for advocacy, take a visible stand on issues, and organise nationwide events to make students’ voices heard. I want to involve the student unions more deeply in advocacy.

I have the courage to act according to my values, which is especially important now when students’ position is being weakened. I want a SYL that is not afraid to speak out. I want SYL to be an organisation that defends everyone’s right to free education and takes into account the diverse situations of students. I want SYL to remember working-class students as well. The universities and the student movement belong to everyone.

What areas interest you most in board work?

I am interested in the social policy, education policy and vice chair sectors. In addition to the foundational work of representation meetings, statements, blogs and policy stances, I want to conduct advocacy in a systematic and campaign-like manner. I would implement this by creating an advocacy plan that defines the goals and actions. For example, when the Social Security Committee starts its work, it’s essential for SYL to be influencing it right from the beginning. On the planned changes to the university’s funding model, more

(The text has been cut off at 50 words [originally in Finnish version], as this was the maximum length of the response.)

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for the board of SYL.

I’m Jaakko Sirén, a fifth-year student of technical physics and mathematics at Aalto University, and I am also studying economics at the University of Helsinki. I am running for the SYL board with the aim of making Finland a top country for expertise where you don’t have to burn yourself out. Our welfare society is based on a high level of expertise, and its significance will only increase due to demographic developments. I want to bring to SYL solution-oriented and inclusive politics that can help to represent the interests of students regardless of the current political and economic situation.

In advocacy circles, I am known as a bridge-builder and a knowledgeable, analytical and cooperative individual. My background includes youth councils, the representative council of the Aalto University Student Union (AYY), and student politics in various organisations, where I have lobbied for youth interests in the Tampere City Council and served as the head of the education and employment policy areas.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

SYL needs a strategy and clear action plans for dealing with long-term topics of discussion. The methods and priorities for advocacy must be documented to guide how the short-term and long-term goals of the policy paper are achieved.

The language strategy must be adhered to, and realistic resources must be allocated to trilingualism.

I want to develop SYL in a direction where an increasing number of students can identify with the purpose and policies of the student movement. This happens by communicating our ways of operating and the behind-the-scenes issues of advocacy to students as well. Advocacy is at its most effective when everyone is behind it.

In addition to sector advocacy, I am interested in developing strategy and communication, and I am eager to build bridges with stakeholders that benefit advocacy.

What areas interest you most in board work?

Education, internationality and working life. I want to make sure that there is the opportunity and the right to educate oneself in Finland. Internationalisation is close to my heart, as I have studied in an international bachelor’s programme and closely followed the difficulties faced by my friends who are international students, as well as the development of international programmes. I want to work for their benefit, so that Finland is a good place to live and there is sufficient expertise for the future as well.

The original language of the answers is English.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for the board of SYL.

My name is Eugenie Touma van der Meulen, and I am a proud Palestinian-Armenian-Dutch immigrant, artist, and advocate. I study harpsichord at the Sibelius Academy and neuroscience at the University of Helsinki. With courage, warmth and a strong sense of justice I strive to make closed doors wide enough for everyone.

I am applying for SYL, because now more than ever the voice of international students should be heard in national decision making. I would be the best choice, because I have 7 years of experience advocating for international and other marginalised students, in two different student unions and in many positions of trust. Coming from a background that is not the most typical, I have a unique and much needed perspective on the urgent equality matters that both the student movement and society at large face. I also have a track record of achieving tangible results and opening people’s eyes to perspectives they had not before considered.

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

My vision for SYL is a union that is a bold, inclusive and effective advocate for all students in Finland. SYL needs to be more brave and inclusive in both its advocacy and its daily operations, to make sure everyone feels represented and fought for. It is very important to me that everyone, including and especially those from smaller student unions and those who do not speak Finnish, can make their valuable contributions to our student movement.

One of the main ways I would develop SYLs activities is to improve trilingualism. Often content is only translated, while to make it accessible for different groups different contexts need to be added. I would also improve SYLs relations to its member unions, so that they can get the information and support they need to best serve their members. Finally, I would make equality and international matters integral to all SYL does, and not just an occasional concern.

What areas interest you most in board work?

I am especially interested in the international affairs, equality and language policy sectors, as well as communication. Making the voices and concerns of international students heard is a priority for me, while also making international affairs more visible to Finnish students, for instance in the upcoming European elections. Equality matters, including (language) accessibility, anti-ableism and anti-racism, are close to my heart and are where I have achieved tangible results over the years.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you want to be or would be the best choice for the board of SYL.

My name is Irja Vaateri, I’m a 26-year-old bridge-builder and results-driven idealist. I’m a handy package of idealism in action, an expert on the everyday life of students and a lover of corny jokes. I’m from Tampere, but I also have family roots in Ostrobothnia.

I am applying for the board of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) because I want to put my extensive experience at the disposal of the entire Finnish student movement next year. My strengths are in housing, health and flexibility for students in different life situations.

Policy papers are important, and that’s why you have to implement them: I’m used to getting things done. I finish what I agree to do, and work hard to contribute to the work communities I’m a member of. As a consensus-builder, I want to find solutions that satisfy everyone. So, could the choice be Vaateri?

How would you develop SYL’s activities?

I take a developmental approach to my work. Best practice is often found through actually working and, above all, through reflection with the rest of the work community. A lot of organisational development can be done in one’s own sector, in addition to the projects set out in the action plan.

Students are a diverse group. We make better decisions when many different perspectives are accommodated. It is therefore important that SYL listens to the student unions in more ways than just by reading policy papers.

SYL should be the voice of the entire student community. SYL’s Swedish-speaking member communities and actors have done important work for genuine trilingualism. Swedish-speaking members must have the opportunity to interact with the SYL office in their native language. Language skills should be a priority, for instance in recruitment. I wish I was the solution to this! However, I try to improve my own language skills every day.

What areas interest you most in board work?

I have a wide range of expertise in the social policy sector, which is why I see my primary place there.  But I also have leadership experience that I am happy to put to use as vice chair. In addition, I have good communication skills, which I have built up as a media officer for a Finnish championship American football team, in various associations and as a part-time entrepreneur, among other things. But in the end, I’m available for precisely the job I’m needed for.