If I could speak to my younger self before applying to the university, I would say that life does not always lead in a straight line. Sometimes we need to leave familiar waters to find the right direction and trust that it will lead us somewhere meaningful.
I find my life quite similar to the life journey of a salmon. Salmon leaves its birthplace and starts moving towards the sea. The salmon’s whole journey is full of challenges and struggles, but it takes all the risks to ultimately reach the destination.
From Biotechnology to Aquatic Sciences
My own journey began with bachelor’s degree in biotechnology in Pakistan, which gave me a strong interest in biological science. Later, I gained laboratory experience which helped me comprehend how appealing it can be to explore biology beyond textbooks.
Over time, my interest in biology and environment, especially interactions between organisms and their ecosystems, got stronger.
When I started applying for my master's degree, I did not just apply by looking at the name and location of the university. I looked for a university where research and academic knowledge along with nature could come together. This search eventually led me to the University of Jyväskylä.
Where science meets real-world challenges
The first thing that immediately caught my attention was the research environment and EU projects going on in the university. This was a decisive thing for me as I wanted such a place for me where real-world challenges were connected to science.
One of the main reasons behind choosing Aquatic Science was the research being conducted at the Konnevesi Research Station. I got fascinated by the research project called LIFE Revives, whose aim is to strengthen freshwater pearl mussel populations and restore their habitats.
With a background in biotechnology, I found Aquatic Science an opportunity to follow my curiosity in a new direction. The course description and possibility of learning through research made me feel that this was the right current for me to follow.
Finland has always been a great study destination for me because of its remarkable education system, but what made Jyväskylä appealing to me was its connection with nature.
What could be more meaningful than studying nature while being surrounded by it?
At JYU, nature looks like an extension of the classroom as the university has a beautiful lake right on campus.
Theory and practice in the same programme
Moving to Finland and leaving behind familiar surroundings came with doubts too. I was concerned about whether I would be able to meet the academic standards of the university. I thought about whether I would be prepared for this new academic chapter of my life. But once I arrived at JYU and started my studies, all those fears gradually turned into motivation.
Courses like aquaculture, aquatic ecosystems, and parasitology immediately got my attention as I got theoretical knowledge from these courses along with practical demonstrations and visits to research facilities. This learning approach of JYU is what I appreciate most about studying here.
Uncertainty is not a bad thing
Looking back, it feels like I also left my comfort zone just like a salmon on its journey, and JYU feels like a major turning point in my life. I still don't feel that this journey is finished, and I am still swimming towards my destination, learning from every new environment on the way.
My journey to JYU has taught me that uncertainty doesn't always mean you took the wrong path; sometimes it means that you have entered new waters. And that is where your growth begins.
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