Take Responsibility Seriously

We all have responsibilities that we need to accept during life. Sometimes we are also responsible for others. These responsibilities can be mundane such as being responsible for our home environment by washing the dishes or the responsibility for care by looking after a loved one. In the news we see responsibility shown in current affairs such as the Brexit fiasco – ‘if you voted out then get out’ is something that is often directed towards the people of Britain – possibly rightly so. Currently, in Finland, the general elections are taking place and with it our responsibility for influencing the future of Finland. Many people take their responsibilities seriously whilst some do not. Where do you fit in?

For students, responsibilities can be seen on many levels. On the one hand, students are responsible for their daily lives, cooking, cleaning, etc. For many they are living away from home for the first time with no-one looking after their daily needs – even the responsibility of getting up in the morning and going to studies can seem like a mundane chore. This is where the attitude to responsibility must be taken seriously if you want to succeed.

As a student, you are wholly responsibly for what happens in your studies. It starts with registration for the courses that you are going to study each semester, turning up for contact sessions, completing tasks, taking exams – and planning for resits if necessary. Finding a training place, coming up with a thesis topic, carrying out the research, presenting your final work – nobody else is going to do any of this on your behalf – remember you choose to take the study place, so also take the responsibility for the chance you have been given.

It still seems like a heavy burden, right? Well remember, although your studies are your responsibility, there are still those that are here to help you, and if not there to share the burden, at least help you cope with your responsibility. Your classmates are usually the closest people to you during your study life, and it is said a “problem shared is a problem halved” – it can at least feel better talking about it in the open. Your lecturers are approachable, talk to them whenever you need guidance or advice in completing study units. Your studies coordinator/counsellor is also available for you to discuss anything with, and to help you plan your studies all the way through your study time. Other members of the well-being team of Xamk can also listen to you if you are facing problems in your responsibilities, so make use of them also.

My main message here is that you have chosen to step up and take responsibility for one stage of your life – that is to study for a degree – just like the potential students that have applied to Xamk this spring, some of whom you can read about this week. Take the responsibility seriously and be responsible for your actions – don’t waste your chances. You are our future leaders, shapers, and movers – in that way you will have the responsibility for the rest of us in the future.

Hugh Clack
Editor in Chief