Candidates for the Board and President of SYL 2025

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become SYL’s President or why you would be the best choice for the position?

My name is Anselmi “Ansu” Auramo and I’m a business and social sciences major at LUT University. I have had a long career in student activities, first in my subject association and later in our student union. In my student union, I served as the 1st Vice Chair of the Representative Council in 2022, the Board’s Cultural Officer in 2023, and the Board’s Chair in 2024.

I’m applying to SYL because I care a great deal about student welfare. Student life has given a lot to me, and I want to give future generations the opportunity to experience it as well.

I have a lot of relevant expertise that I could make use of at SYL. My strengths include my ability to perform, speak, and network. I’m also good a creating professional audiovisual content. I’ve also spearheaded three simultaneous organisational changes at our student union: initiating sectional activities, commencing board activities at two campuses, and changing our working language to English.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

In my opinion, SYL’s clearest challenge is the short-term nature of its activities. While people at trade unions and communication agencies get to accumulate their networks for decades, SYL’s members are young and change every year. The best solution to this is to take the strategy work that has already been initiated and continue it next year. Only through long-term lobbying can we achieve a more student-friendly society.

SYL must strive to change the public’s opinion about students. In practice, this means measures that aim to stir discussion and debate on the status of students. This should be the main objective of SYL’s public communications.

SYL’s rhetoric must move away from talking about students as a vulnerable group of people, and instead focus on showcasing them as an opportunity and resource worth investing in.

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

SYL must transition to more long-term activities, and a good place to start would be to prepare for the parliamentary elections by lobbying political youth and student organisations in particular. This would allow us to influence each party’s programmes and priorities.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become SYL’s President or why you would be the best choice for the position?

My name is Noora, and I’m a journalism student at Tampere University. I’m currently the Chair of TREY, the Student Union of Tampere University, and my previous background includes many years in my subject association and a single term in TREY’s Council of Representatives.

I’m a solution-oriented, reliable, and efficient person who is easy to work with. I want to serve the entire student field and help unite all students in Finland.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

We need even longer-term advocacy that’s not afraid to look 10 or 20 years into the future. In the long run, the measures taken by the Finnish Government may result in more expenses rather than savings, as the price of the loans and mental strain incurred by students become a reality.

SYL’s advocacy work must be made more visible to the public. The people in field need to understand what SYL’s advocacy goals are, which is why it needs more contact with student unions. It is also important to collaborate more with national student organisations, since we are stronger together. SYL could also look for new parties that can help promote its goals.

In addition to asking for additional funding and opposing cuts, we must be able to propose genuine solutions that will be irresistible to decision-makers. If we can’t compromise and focus on incremental wins, we may be sidelined completely.

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

INVOLVE STUDENT UNIONS. Listening to and making the most of student unions in SYL’s lobbying work will also boost its nationwide lobbying efforts. Finland’s student unions also have valuable local-level information that SYL can use in its own work. This will be particularly important for the municipal and regional elections next year.

STUDENT FINANCIAL AID AND HOUSING. The results of the student financial aid reform will be released in January, and SYL must remain closely involved in the process. SYL must also keep talking about how students have been affected by the shortage in housing and the transfer to the housing supplement.

NEW OPENINGS. For example, SYL could talk more about internship and employment opportunities for students. Even though students should be able to study full-time, it is not a possibility for many. SYL could intensify its cooperation with labour market organisations.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become SYL’s President or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m a 6th-year law student and Chair of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY). In 2023, I served as Vice Chair of HYY’s Board, and before that, I was an active member of Pykälä, my faculty association.

When the plan for transferring students to the housing supplement under student financial aid was revealed in the spring, I became convinced that I had to apply for the position of SYL President. The usual means of advocacy work need new kinds of background measures to support them, and I know that SYL needs an experienced leader like myself to tackle this challenge.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

As President of SYL, I would to strengthen the media influence of the student movement. By changing the perceptions that people have of students in public debate, we can also change the resulting policies. As SYL’s President, I intend to strengthen SYL’s networks and contacts with the media, find new media opportunities for the entire movement, and create permanent structures for stronger forms of media influence.

I want to involve the entire student movement in its national advocacy initiatives. For example, next year’s regional and municipal elections will be an excellent platform for combining SYL’s objectives with the local interests of Finland’s student unions. SYL cannot solely or comprehensively dictate how it will implement its collaborative efforts in the field, which is why I want to implement – by means of a joint decision-in-principle by SYL’s Board – a direct member initiative for Finnish student unions to join SYL’s Board.

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

Next year will bring several individual opportunities for exerting our influence. For example, a mid-term policy review will take place in the coming year, and we will need to use it to defend the livelihoods of students and the funding of higher education institutions. In addition, as part of the overall reform of student financial aid, which is set to be completed next year, we must defend students’ social security from any further cutbacks.

Another goal that I consider at least as important is improving the long-term impact of SYL’s activities. The past year has demonstrated that, during this government term, we cannot rely solely on our usual forms of advocacy. For this reason, SYL’s advocacy work is in need of bold reforms.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become SYL’s President or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Roope Rantala, a law student in his 20s and currently the Chair of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Lapland (LYY). In addition, I serve as a municipal councillor in Ulvila, my hometown, and as a member of its Education and Culture Board.

I’m running for President of SYL because I want to be involved in developing SYL’s advocacy work, and I also want to continue my work for the university students of Finland. My extensive political background would bring a lot to the table at SYL. My experience with municipal and university policy means that I’m deeply familiar with the Finnish education system, from early childhood education to higher education. This extensive know-how has helped me gain a deep understanding of Finland’s entire educational structure. In addition, serving as the Chair of LYY’s Board and my other political activities have shaped my approach to the media, and I believe that I have a lot to offer in this respect as well!

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I want to promote a constructive and solution-oriented approach at SYL while also making space for the types of incisive statements that students are known for, should a situation call for one. In my opinion, SYL should clarify its vision and tell people more about how we want to develop the position of Finland’s student population. In this context, it is important for SYL to cooperate with student unions to ensure that the message of the entire student movement remains clear and uniform. As a concrete solution, I would consider hiring an economist to help SYL develop the effectiveness of its advocacy work.

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

The parliamentary term is approaching its halfway point, which is why we must work hard at the start of next year if we are to achieve our goals for this term. In this respect, we should place special emphasis on the mid-term policy review that will be held early next year. At the national level, any themes related to well-being and housing in particular should be placed front and centre. In addition, SYL must cooperate closely with student unions in all matters related to Finland’s municipal and regional elections. Each university city has its own challenges, but the support provided by SYL to the student unions will be vital for ensuring the success of their advocacy work.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

Hi there! I’m Mira Kokko, and I study journalism at Tampere University. I’ve been a member of my subject association and the Council of the Student Union of Tampere University (TREY), and I’m currently on TREY’s Board. I’ve also helped improve the world in the Finnish Scouts and the Union of Journalists in Finland.

I’m an ever-prepared, sunny, and productive individual. My goal is to ensure that every student in Finland can have the best possible student experience. I’m a bold advocate who isn’t afraid to discuss the facts and learn everything there is to know about an issue at the speed of a journalist.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

My SYL is a strong and impactful advocate for all students. SYL invests in the status of international students and the use of Swedish while also stoking students’ international aspirations. SYL promotes more equal and flexible studies as well as democratic decision-making at universities.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I’m interested in international activities and the education policy sector. This year, I led the European election project and established a student council in the university alliance. I know how decisions are made at universities, and I’m particularly familiar with the funding of education and student admissions.

For more about me, visit my Instagram profile: @migrasii

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Tilda Lassila, a solution-oriented go-getter and student of politics and communications from Helsinki. This year, I’ve worked on the Board of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) in various tasks related to communications, municipal elections, and sustainable development. And, before my position at HYY, I have had an extensive career in numerous organisations.

I’m passionate about ensuring that everyone will have the right and opportunity to study, both now and in the future. I want to continue and deepen the scope of my efforts, which is why I am applying for membership on SYL’s Board.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

SYL must be a bold, future-oriented, and tireless advocate that can act proactively and in a solution-oriented manner. Even in difficult times, we must not become discouraged; instead, we must continue our long-running work for a fairer future.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I’m open to any sector, but the social policy sector and development cooperation are areas where I thrive and where I would like to continue working. However, I’m always open to learning new things.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Samuli Leppämäki, a 25-year-old student of European and Nordic Studies at the University of Helsinki. I’m a candidate for SYL’s Board for 2025 because I want to lend my hand to a united student movement. Previously, I’ve done student advocacy work in several arenas and lobbying at a national level.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I would develop SYL’s advocacy work in a more strategic direction by utilising my existing networks in politics and higher education. I would offer SYL my expertise in EU lobbying, funding models, and international cooperation. I would be actively involved in lobbying my sector and in the preparation of various instructions and guidelines.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

The sectors closest to my areas of expertise are higher education policy, working life, international cooperation, and the ESU. I’m also experienced in communications and EU policy. I have been my university’s internal mouthpiece on international issues, both in student advocacy and working life matters.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Heini, a primary teaching student from Lapland. I’m a member of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Lapland (LYY), and my responsibilities for this year have focused on social policy and tutoring in particular. I have experience in advocacy matters, from my subject association all the way to the national level. My colleagues would describe me as a solution-oriented and active team player, and I believe that I’d bring a lot of northern energy to SYL.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

As a go-getting advocate, I would be the voice of students in any decisions made by SYL’s Board that apply to student life. SYL’s advocacy processes should be made more transparent and open to the different features and needs of Finland’s student unions, to allow for more enhanced cooperation. SYL must be genuinely present in everyday student life by actively increasing its presence in municipalities with universities and improving its media visibility.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I’m deeply passionate about any themes related to education policy, such as the quality and funding of education. Student well-being is a key focus for SYL, which is why I care about social policy as well. But no matter the area, I’m ready to lend my expertise where it’s needed, because SYL is #theplaceforheini!

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Mirka, a social work student, Chair of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY), and the Board’s social policy member last year. I’ve gained an extensive understanding of how students feel about things both locally and nationally, and I’m prepared to use my experience in SYL’s advocacy efforts. I want to improve the well-being and everyday life of students by promoting their income, housing, and FSHS funding. I’m a determined advocate and mediator, and I’m not afraid to confront difficult issues and listen to differing viewpoints in order to find the best solution.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I want to develop SYL’s advocacy to allow it to find concrete solutions together with student unions and stakeholders. Collaboration is key to taking every student into account and making better decisions. I want to create an advocacy strategy that opens up new avenues for methods and objectives and that can also be used by student unions.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I’m particularly interested in social policy and, given my strong experience in leadership, I would be happy to serve as Vice President. Above all, I’m ready to lend my expertise to any area where I’m needed the most!

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Maria Saita and I’m studying public law at the University of Vaasa. I have served as a municipal councillor in Vaasa for nearly four years. I’m running for SYL’s Board because I want us students to not only adapt to but also challenge the status quo. My strong experience in decision-making and student advocacy, both as a councillor and as a board member of our student union, means that I’m well-qualified to act on SYL’s Board in 2025.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

Next year, I want to support student unions in their electoral and advocacy work. The voice of Finnish students must be loud and clear in the 2025 regional and municipal elections. We must present a united and strong message to Finland’s decision-makers and stakeholders. In addition, SYL must create a model for placing an interest ceiling on student loans, which should be promoted alongside the overall reform of Finland’s student financial aid. Close cooperation with SOA, the Finnish Association of Student Housing Organisations, is needed to ensure that every student is guaranteed the right to an affordable, safe, and pleasant home.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

Social policy, election work, and communications.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

My name is Aino Uitamo, and I’m a fourth-year Finnish major at the University of Oulu. I have served as a social policy member of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY) in 2024. Today’s Finland needs an active and effective student movement. My educational background is useful for preparing statements and other documents. I’m prepared to engage in calm, well-reasoned, and unrelenting advocacy work for the benefit of all students.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

We must boldly occupy more space in the media and exert our influence in a variety of ways. We must assess what kind of lobbying has produced the most results during this government term. Based on this assessment, we can focus our lobbying in ways that will help us achieve the goals that will most aid students today. We need to continue lobbying our long-term goals and create and maintain wide-ranging networks.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I’m particularly interested in social policy. My skills also lend themselves well to tasks related to communications and sustainable development work.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

Artturi Vuorinen, Master’s degree student in folk music, Vice Chair of the University of the Arts Student Union (ArtSU), and creative professional. I’m well-versed in the diversity of student life in interdisciplinary student circles, and I want to represent the people in them. I’m an inventive and dedicated person that everyone can rely on.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

SYL’s advocacy is very established, but it should also develop new ideas and methods for increasing the impact of its student advocacy work. It often feels that the perception that decision-makers have of student life is outdated. SYL must be able to create and promote a realistic image of what studying and student life mean in today’s moment.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

Primarily education policy. Degree structures have become increasingly rigid, which means that most students have to complete the same courses. The world is constantly changing, and no one can predict every need that society will have in the future. Diversity is richness, and students should not be forced into the same mould.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Heli Ylikoski, a 6th-year student and long-serving student advocate. My major is in cultural research, but I’ve also dabbled in other forms of academia through my work in the School of Business. In recent years, however, I’ve set my studies aside in favour of my other passion, student advocacy.

My identity is strongly rooted in advocacy work and education policy. I’ve been involved in education policy work since 2020, first in my subject association, then in Kulo, the umbrella organisation for cultural research students, and finally in the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY), first as the Chair of the Education Policy Committee, then as the Coordinator for Curriculum Work, and now on the Board.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

Strong advocacy requires action and lobbying that are based on effective information. Student unions have experience and understanding that SYL doesn’t always make use of in time – although the same student unions are occasionally guilty of forgetting to share what they know as well. It is vital to ensure that the collaboration between SYL and the student unions is seamless, regardless of language, location, or field.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

My speciality lies in education policy, especially national-level education policy and the accessibility and quality of education.

The original language of the answers is English.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I am Mantė Žygelytė, a Lithuanian designer living in Finland since 2021. I am a master’s design student at the School of ARTS, Aalto University, and currently serve as the vice chair responsible for equity and advocacy at the Aalto University Student Union (AYY).

I am running for SYL because I want to continue building a more positive future for students without compromising free, equitable, and accessible education for both Finnish and international students. I am a courageous and determined advocate with experience lobbying at the university, local, and national levels.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

In my vision for SYL 2025, one of the key elements is an inclusive and accessible national student union. SYL must develop trilingual practices and atmosphere to ensure that Swedish and English speakers feel part of the student movement. As an anti-racist and feminist organization, SYL should continue advancing in equity to ensure that every student feels included.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

Internationality, language matters and vice presidency.