Self-Assessment: After My Magellan

Overall, I am satisfied with what I had achieved in Helsinki. Although I was faced with a couple setbacks, such as the inability to meet with a professor at the University of Helsinki, I know I did my best with what was in my control. I learned about Finnish education and current social policies in regards to children's rights. I observe schools and interacted with teaching professionals and students. I was professional, arriving to each meeting on time. I would have liked to study more concerning the economic impact of the Finnish education system, but I gained as much information I could.

The principals and teachers in Finnish classrooms, the Director of Advocacy at the Finnish UNICEF Association, and the Adviser within the Information and Analysis Services at the Finnish National Agency for Education described the important aspects of Finnish child care and topics that are prevalent in current discussions. Their words matched the behavior, actions, and environment that I had witnessed throughout my time in Helsinki, Finland. Every child took delight in their social play and their educational endeavors. Material was not forced. Instruction was not presented in an authoritarian manner. Children were not discouraged from expressing their individuality. Instead of unnerving fear, the fortification of social connections and the exploration of their identities occupy their minds. Unlike many children who must wonder about the time of their next meal, where they will sleep at night, or their security, these Finnish youth are able to focus on peer relationships and the development of skills that will lead to self-actualization. Free healthcare and education removes stress from parents and, ultimately, their children.

Similarly, trust exists within each level of school administration and management. Curriculum designers and educational professionals are qualified and respected, obtaining years of experience and eminent education. National policymakers trust teachers, providing them with autonomy in the classroom. Teachers trust their students, introducing gradual responsibility as they mature. The theme of trust is exhibited outside of the school dynamic as well. Interested in their child's educational advancement, parents sometimes inquire about grades or the child's behavior. However, there is a general trust among the Finnish population and child guardians. Teachers are well-respected and acknowledged as moral professionals.

From observation and conversations, I gathered an understanding of cultural and societal values throughout my time in Helsinki. There is a sense of solidarity in regards to moral responsibilities and caring for others. The society is organized and centered around the importance of human development. The best interests of citizens lies at the core of local and national community. Providing free healthcare and educational opportunity, the country expresses great support for the growth of individuals, families, and interdependent development. Although many Finnish citizens take delight in their solitude in order to relax from daily life, they enjoy a collaborative work environment and the drive for creating an innovative, adaptive society. Similar to most countries, Finland holds onto historical and cultural traditions. However, it is clear that the people acknowledge the necessities of welcoming change as technology advances, humans evolve, knowledge spillovers take place, and the nation moves forwards. Instead of prioritizing individual advancement and social mobility, Finland hopes to increase economic mobility, thus supporting its citizens as a whole.

Finland's desire for universal growth coincided with my hope for individual development. At the beginning of this journey, I was not sure how I would be impacted by this project. I was scared, excited, and filled with questions. However, from the moment I stepped onto my first flight, my worries turned into hope. Being a sheltered child in a middle-class family, I did not have the opportunity to travel often. When I had traveled, I had always been with my parents, and we would stay within the bounds of the United States. Not only was this my first time traveling alone, but this was my first trip outside of the country. I knew that this experience would positively impact my development, but I did not know the magnitude of that impact.

Being the youngest of the family, I was sheltered. I did not have the opportunities to build and display autonomy. College provided me with my first glimpse of adulthood, and I loved it. Studying in Finland on my own showed me that I am able to achieve more than I think. I have felt feelings of incompetence and doubt throughout my life. Because of these emotions, I sometimes had lacked confidence and faith in myself. I would only take the secure paths or cower to difficult situations. However, this experience exhibited my ability to surpass my expectations and handle difficult situations. This journey strengthened my confidence and gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual. From the first day in Helsinki, I knew that I had challenged myself, but nourished my hunger for discovery and essential development. Reflecting upon my Magellan Project, I have realized that I am now a happier, more relaxed person, who is comfortable in her own skin. I recognize that the world is filled with complex mysteries and now accept that I cannot prevent or control every problem. No matter how extensively I plan, I am not able to control the outcome. Challenges exist and moments of failure may occur, but every experience will make me stronger. This joyous experience has made me a stronger, braver, and self-assured individual who appreciates the present and innovates when a new obstacles arise.

I thank Washington & Jefferson for providing me with the grant, the ability to travel and learn about another culture, the increased passion and knowledge of international child welfare, and endless experiences where I have progressed in my journey of personal growth. I thank Dr. Leonard and Tyler Tenney for advising me as I designed this project and plan the practicalities of my Magellan. In addition, I thank my family for supporting me throughout this process and having confidence in me. I thank my kind Airbnb host, Tea, for being an attentive guide and caring friend. Finally, I thank Finland for welcoming me, treating me with respect, showing me that there are empathetic societies that protect human rights in all forms, and for helping me find my wings.