Rector to new students: It's my life, it's now or never
Friends for life. A community that leaves exchange students speechless. Promises of something to do around the clock and education that will play a key role in the future. All of this was part of what met new students during the opening of the academic year in Volda.
A crowd of new students, together with more experienced students who are buddies and employees at the Volda University College (VUC), felt excitement when the academic year 2023/24 was officially opened with a ceremony.
From the stage, the students got to know VUC's new rector, Odd Helge Mjellem Tonheim, who made his debut with the opening greeting on the first day of study.
In a warm and nice way, he both entertained, challenged and wished the new students welcome to Volda.
He almost promises them work when they leave the university with their diploma papers in the future, and he virtually guaranteed that they will become important pieces in Norwegian society.
– For the welfare society to work, we need teachers, social workers, child welfare workers, journalists, band conductors, coaches, and more. Volda University College lays the foundation for our future by educating those who will shape the hearts and minds of the young, tell our stories through the media, and care for the vulnerable in our society.
– Every single course at Volda University College plays a pivotal role in building a society that is informed, caring, united, and sustainable, and I am proud to be a part of this, Tonheim said.
– Take the chance and be there for each other
Rector encouraged the students to look around and ask themselves who they might be able to help on such a day or who they themselves could ask for help. Because he reminds them on that the study period is not only a journey in academia with syllabus and exams, but also a journey in human contact. He challenged the students to think about the opportunities they have to be social and humane, and at the same time take their studies seriously. With blank sheets and a whole bunch of colored pencils.
– As Bon Jovi sings, "It's my life, it's now or never" – and that's true for your study time too; seize the opportunity, take control, because you have this unique chance here and now to shape your future. We will help, cheer, and support, but you need to take the step!
Throughout the speech, rector told about a fictitious boy, who gradually became a student in Volda, and after a few years as a student had made a good friend with whom he shared a flat. The good friendship made this fictional person trust her and told her that he was gay.
– Moments like these highlight the importance of building relationships during your study years. Because it's not only academic knowledge you are building at Volda University College, but also lifelong friendships that can support you through life's highs and lows, said Tonheim, who himself is gay and has raised the pride flag for the university during Bygdepride.
A very special community
Seven years ago, Kishore Gajendra came to Volda as a student from India and listened to the speech by then-rector Johann Roppen. On Tuesday, Gajendra himself was on stage, now as a lecturer and research fellow at the Volda University College.
He spoke to the new students, although the response from his mother, a very eloquent woman in India, was as follows when she was told that Kishore was to give a speech at the opening of the academic year: "Poor people who have to listen to you.". Said with a twinkle in his eye.
In her well-intentioned advice to her son, the mother also added: "If a foreigner like you can be so fond of Volda, then everyone else can too."
– Yes, we will see in a couple of years if they are as happy in Sunnmøre as I am, Kishore said.
He remembers well when he stood there himself as an exchange student seven years ago, and at first got a very special feeling. A sense of community. A STRONG community.
– I could feel that inside me, without knowing some of the other students particularly well during the first week in Volda.
At the same time, he emphasized that such a community does not come by itself, and that the students have to work for it. And also make contact with the local population. Gajendra himself has acquired many new friends and experiences that way.
– I saw community everywhere, something that was a little unusual for me as a foreigner. People were just so keen to include and have fun, no matter where you came from or what language you spoke. You don't have to be extroverted to be part of the community, you can be exactly who you are and participate in all the good things, said Gajendra.
– Engage yourself!
He was thanked for a speech that played on good feelings and a Volda where people care about each other. He received his thanks from Ammy Bolme, who was the presenter during the ceremony. Bolme is the leader of the Student Parliament in Volda and had some well-chosen words to say on such a day.
She encouraged the students to make use of the campus and all the facilities found there. Not only to read, write and study, but also to be social and have a chat in the library and coffee in the canteen.
– This is also where you can meet our many student organisations, especially now during the Buddy Week! If you are interested in writing stories, planning festivals, playing sports or engaging in student politics, then organisations such as the student magazine Peikestokken, the Animation Volda Festival, Veka (Student Week), the VSI student sports team and the Student Parliament are options that you should look into.
– All these activities depend on committed students and help from the local community. If there is one good piece of advice I would give you students, old and new, it is to get involved.
Explore, was the watchword from Bolme. Although Volda is a small village, there is a long list of student team organisations, in addition to local teams and organisations.
– Visit the stands of the student organisations during the Buddy Week and join events such as trips, excursions, information meetings with free food, usually pizza, and events at Rokken. Join the various organisations, be social and make memories. Ultimately, those are the memories you remember the most.
Events for everyone
The students will probably have positive memories with their buddies during the Buddy Weekas well. The board of the Buddy Week concluded the opening ceremony by accepting the new students into the Volda family.
The head of the Buddy Week, Marte Sørebø Pedersen, is particularly concerned that everyone should be seen. It also reflects the program they have prepared for the next two weeks.
– This year, we have put a lot of focus on arranging a mix of events and activities which caters both to students who do and don’t drink alcohol. We think it is important to have a variety of different events and activities so that everyone feel that they are welcome, regardless of their interest.
She encouraged everyone to be aware and take care of each other.
– During this week you meet many new people. Don't be afraid to contact others. Just think how happy you would be if someone contacted you.
And with that, all new students went out into the great world of study, perhaps humming the rector's stanza that he borrowed from Bon Jovi: "It's my life, it's now or never".