Demystifying the Infrastructure of Happiness in Finnish Society - Reflections from the Fulbright-Hays Seminar

Distinguished Guests, Fulbright Finland Team, Fulbright-Hays 2024 family!

Moi! Hei! Terve!

8 Airplanes
30 Busses
2 Trams
2 Gondolas
3 Ferries
10 Hotels

Endless miles of walking through nature and along the sea. Countless experiences across the captivating landscapes of Finland, all contributing to "Demystifying the Infrastructure of Happiness in Finnish Society." Huge and heartfelt kiitos to the Fulbright Finland Foundation for making this journey possible.

Our preconceived notions of happiness have evolved and transformed as we've lugged our suitcases, filling them with souvenirs and new learnings along the way, through the picturesque regions of Finland, So, let’s demystify…

Let’s Demystify Happiness through Functionality and Well-Being:

• Could happiness stem from time spent in saunas?
• Certainly, it must be the maternity welcome gift new parents receive!
• Or the fact that kids walk or bike to school by themselves from a very young age?
• It might be the delicious food: Karelian pies, Korvapuusti, black licorice, coffee, salmon soup, and pancakes over an open fire.
• It could be the music. Finland is most certainly on their way to a Eurovison win.
• Could it be the Long Drinks that are the key to happiness?
• Or the national sport, pesäpallo, which brings happiness and pride to the Finns?
• Could it be the extensive bike paths and walking paths or that even in the cities you are never far from nature?
• Perhaps it's the equality ingrained in the Finnish culture?
• Maybe it's having affordable childcare?
• Or the sense of security, as seen when people leave bags unattended in public areas.
• Could it be that poor life decisions or bad luck do not mean you fall far behind in Finland?
• Maybe the key to happiness lies in the libraries, which play an essential role in Finnish society by offering emotional support, social engagement, and creative opportunities.

Happiness in Nature & Sustainable Development:

• Is it the breathtaking scenery of the national parks?
• The sight of a reindeer, after all, Santa lives here—it could be that. Or the aurora borealis or the celebrations of midsummer?
• Or perhaps it's the commitment to recycling and sustainability? The idea that the golden rule is to respect and take care of nature to preserve it for future generations. 
• Is it that connections with nature satisfy the soul and bring reflection and balance
• Or that there is a healing power in nature? 
• Is it the commitment to global issues and solutions?
• Could the enchanting smells of Finland's forests and nature be a key contributor to happiness?

How about Happiness in Education:

• Could the key to happiness be that the best school for kids is the one closest to their home?
• Perhaps it's the charming tradition of teachers and students taking their shoes off at the classroom door, creating a cozy and homey atmosphere.
• Maybe it's the emphasis on learning in nature, where play and creativity are prioritized.
• Or is it the high regard in which the teaching profession is held?
• Undoubtedly, the free and equal access to education for everyone, from preschool through higher education, plays a crucial role.
• I heard that the secret sauce may be the autonomy and trust in teachers and that teachers have what they need to do their jobs! Yes, yes, that must be it.

While the memories of places visited and sights seen will stay with us, it’s those connections that will continue to resonate. 

The powerful education system in Finland is a product of what Finnish society values. Some of the most impactful experiences of our journey have been engaging with Finnish educators and experts. While the memories of places visited and sights seen will stay with us, it’s those connections that will continue to resonate. Organic conversations enriched our understanding of Finland's human-centered education of which transversal competencies are integral. The presence of school coaches blew us away and underscores the commitment to the intense care ensuring that growth as human beings and as members of society is at the heart of the curriculum.

Many of us conducted informal surveys during our time here, asking numerous Finns their thoughts behind happiness in Finland. Our questions were often met with puzzled looks, followed by responses that emphasized a sense of contentment rather than outright happiness. 

One of the Fulbright Finland fellows noted, “It's not that the citizens of Finland are the happiest individuals or that the country is without problems. Rather, it's the shared values and collective investment in humanity and nature”. A Finnish proverb shared with me encapsulates this perfectly: “Happiness is a place between too little and too much.”

Another fellow observed, “There is a persistent thoughtfulness throughout Finnish culture. Whether training teachers or building a public library, they always ask, how can we make this the best for our citizens?" 

We Americans often seek quick answers and instant fixes. We want to know the key to happiness and how to use it when we return home. Over the past 26 days, we have delved into the foundations of happiness in Finland. As with most things in life, there isn’t just one key. However, certain themes have emerged—most notably, happiness rooted in trust and contentment.

Emotions are running high as our time in Finland comes to an end, but as we’ve heard, being a Fulbrighter is a life sentence—a permanent mark on our lives for sure. It's often said that the best professional development is just down the hall. However, through this journey, I've discovered that the best professional development might be next to you on the bus, plane, or ferry, during a run, on a walk in the forest, in a museum, or even in the sauna. Each one of you has profoundly impacted me, and I am a better person for having met you all. We will forever be Fulbright Finland 2024. 

So, where do we go from here? As Terhi wisely shared, “We all have our own sphere of influence. If we try to do good in that, that is enough. Not just enough—that’s brilliant.” This thought resonates deeply as I reflect on our time here, where trust, contentness, and being valued feel as rooted in the culture as the trees in the Finnish forests. 

The impact of our time in Finland will continue to ripple outward, like the waves we created when we dipped our toes in the Baltic Sea.

Let us remember the power of our collective efficacy in actively creating change and shaping the future together. An educator typically impacts 3,000 students over their career, between the 16 of us, well you do the math. The impact of our time in Finland will continue to ripple outward, like the waves we created when we dipped our toes in the Baltic Sea. It’s exponential. We will build trust and contentedness, foster nature and sustainable development, and enhance well-being, functionality, and education in our schools and communities.

Finland, you have inspired us. Together, we really do have the power to shape the future. Now, we will demonstrate our SISU as we attempt to zip and carry our bags overflowing with souvenirs (definitely exceeding 50 pounds). Our minds are brimming with ideas, and our hearts are overflowing with love for Mirka, Tarja, Heidi, Maija, and for Finland.

Finland - Suomi! From the bottom of our hearts, Kiitos… thank you for sharing your country and cultures with us and helping us demystify happiness in Finnish society. Kunnes jälleen tapaamme - until we meet again!

See photos from the Fulbright-Hays Seminar on our Facebook page.