The joy of learning and social opportunities were clearly highlighted when Sahlgrenska Academy for the first time gathered all new students for a joint introduction. Take care of yourselves, but also make sure to have fun, was the key message.
The tone was warm and humorous as Dean Jenny Nyström, wearing the ceremonial academic gown, gave her introduction.
"Our highest goal is your success – remember that when things get tough. Student Health is there if you need them, but your teachers can also be a great support," said Jenny Nyström during her speech.
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Cindy Saarento.
Photo: Elin Lindström
She emphasized that fellow classmates are often the best support and that education is an opportunity to make lifelong friends. Creating a supportive atmosphere in the classroom, where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to speak up, is something all students need to contribute to.
Four study programs
The introduction was held for all new students starting their studies in nursing, dentistry, medicine, and physiotherapy at Sahlgrenska Academy.
Cindy Saarento is now beginning her studies to become a physiotherapist at the University of Gothenburg. She expects the program to be intense at times and sees a personal challenge in getting used to waking up early.
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Sean-James Sekabembe.
Photo: Elin Lindström
"I'm looking forward to learning how to prevent injuries, both to help others and for my own sake. There will be a lot to learn, like anatomy and other medical subjects," says Cindy, who dreams of opening her own physiotherapy clinic, perhaps in a warm country.
Sean-James Sekabembe enjoys both exercise and helping people, which is why he is now starting his studies to become a physiotherapist.
"I'm excited to learn new things, but I think it will be tough during exam periods," says Sean-James, who hopes to work with sports or athletic injuries in the future.
Join the student union
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Noa Frick, Chairperson for SAKS.
Photo: Elin Lindström
The Sahlgrenska Academy Student Union (SAKS) was represented by Chairperson Noa Frick, who described the union’s important role in representing students’ opinions and ensuring they are considered as Sahlgrenska Academy develops its programs. The union also serves as a hub for numerous social activities – game nights, pubs, theater, the student magazine, choir, and dance. The union’s introduction committee has five different groups dedicated to ensuring a fun start to student life.
Many impressions
The opportunities for international exchanges were also highlighted. Rebecca Törnqvist, coordinator at Sahlgrenska Academy International Office (SAIO), invited medical students David Jonsson and Jakob Björklund on stage to share their personal experiences of completing surgical internships at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland. This spring, they are both heading abroad again for their degree projects: Jakob will study colon cancer in South Africa, while David will focus on global health in Nepal.
Rebecca Törnqvist interviewed medical students David Jonsson and Jakob Björklund, who encouraged others to take the opportunity to go abroad as part of their education.
Photo: Elin Lindström
The joint introduction for new students at Sahlgrenska Academy was held on two occasions: one for new students in the medical and nursing programs, and another for students in the physiotherapy and dentistry programs. The faculty-wide introduction was inspired by an initiative at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences.