If you are willing to see what JYU is at nanoscale, give me a few minutes to share my story with you. My name is Virginia Ranaweeraand I study in the Master’s Degree Programme in Nanoscience at Ģֱ. Exploring interdisciplinary nanoscience at JYU has broadened my horizons, enhanced my skills, and prepared me for a diverse and promising future.
Having graduated with a first-class degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2012, my work as a teaching assistant at the university was succeeded by high school teaching. As a chemistry teacher and the head of the International Advanced Level section, with further education in chemistry teaching, I built a successful career as an educator in Sri Lanka.
In 2019, I attended a school leaders conference in UK where during discussions my attention was dominated by the phrase ‘we have to prepare strongly for the advancing world’, and I pondered with the progression of my life events rapidly, had I allowed myself to prepare for this advancing world? This thought kindled my interest in seeking an opportunity to grow myself.
Two years later after the global pandemic, I decided to resume my search to reach out the height I had never experienced. Having completed my bachelor’s a decade ago, I wondered if I could pursue science-based education again, along with the freedom to fulfil my responsibilities as a mother of three children.
Fortunately for me, Finland let me fit in well with my goals and my family.
Why choose the Nanoscience programme at JYU?
The path to JYU was my deep interest for “Nanoscience” specially graphene and a quest for research, and JYU is the sole university that offers a MSc in Nanoscience in Finland.
JYU’s written pre-task as a peep to the world I was about to explore, and the virtual interview made me feel welcomed already. Adding to that Jyväskylä seemed such a tranquil city.
Words cannot explain how I felt when I received my admission from JYU. My age nor my study gap from my bachelors stood in the way of my admission. It was indeed a dream come true.
Jyväskylä is a beautiful and a hassle-free city to live
When I moved to Jyväskylä in Autumn 2023, although I thought it might be challenging, it was quite the opposite. The people were welcoming and helpful. Navigation around the city was easy, and transport to the University was hassle-free.
The city of Jyväskylä is more tranquil and serene than I imagined. My Finnish tutor and batchmates are so friendly extending their constant support experiencing Jyväskylä and Finland more extensively.
Coming from a tropical country with sunny skies every day, the seasons reminds of the lesson that nature drives our day. The variation in each season reminds us to appreciate the season gone and look forward to the next, unknowingly awakening the naturalist in me enhancing the relation to the beautiful surroundings.
Local friendship programme supported Finnish language learning
I have been studying the interesting Finnish language at JYU since last Autumn. During the classes, you also expose yourself to various events which help you integrate comfortably. This was further supported by my local friend introduced to me by the JYU Local friendship programme. The first step to the sauna is a challenge, which makes a memory to smile when you become addicted to it.
Events bring extra value for your stay in Jyväskylä
When JYU experiments open to the public on the Researchers’ Night in September along with the unique City of Lights annual festival, I saw the extravagance of this city and its people at a different level.
Additionally, every year the two Nanoscience days feature a variety of scientists from all over the world to share their expertise and experience. These talks are highly inspiring, encouraging and motivating. This year was truly remarkable as the honorary speaker was the Nobel laureate Morten Meldal.
The Jyväskylä Summer School for STEM provided a different experience where a course was taught and completed within a week. It was also nice to meet new people as it was open for students from different countries, it polished the ability of rapid activity and adaptiveness.
Nanoscience gives an interdisciplinary understanding to natural sciences
As a nanoscience student, I have learned way more than I anticipated. The MSc in Nanoscience in an interdisciplinary programme which truly proves that chemistry, physics and biology in nanoscale are best understood when you understand the co-relations between them.
The compulsory courses opened fascinating horizons that were unknown to me. The lecturers always welcome any questions and approaches them methodically, that they solve certain problems even before they arise. Their constant support and understanding, always keeps me motivated. The variety of activities enabled me to merge well with my batchmates. The variation in courses available broaden insights.
I feel an advanced level of education, which is more suitable to this technological era. Many assignments enabled the exploration of the research done so far, which truly enhancing my knowledge beyond the classroom lectures and slides. Other activities develop expertise hands-on skills.
Fit for a future both academically and industrially
Having now completed 80% of my degree, which included a variety of courses covering theory and practicals comprehensively leading me to a clear research pathway, I believe, I have and will continue to grow significantly in the field of nanoscience enhancing the career opportunities which are quite diverse and extensive. I limited myself once, but now I will keep an open view for my future.
I know I have acquired skills and knowledge which makes me fit for a future academically or industrially, and I am truly grateful to JYU for this opportunity. You have invested a few minutes to see my view of the nano world at JYU, I hope that you will find your way to our world!
Virginia Ranaweera
Nanoscience
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Mathematics and science
