In late 2016 a message arrived at my university e-mail box inviting me to take part in the winter
symposium in Wroclaw organised by the NSU study circle ‘Understanding Migration in Nordic and Baltic Countries’.
It was the first time I heard about NSU and, to tell the truth, I had a very hard time to understand it at
first and place it among the other initiatives I encountered.
From the day one at my first winter symposium, however, I knew that I have stumbled upon something very special and to this day I feel very fortunate to have learned about NSU (thanks to Stephanie).It was the very first symposium organized by this study circle I attended in Wroclaw and almost three years later I am attending the last one in Roosta.
When I ask myself what kept me returning, I come to think that the interdisciplinarity, openness to
others and genuine interest in others’ work created a unique environment, which made me feel at home with my own (inter)disciplinary and personal ‘baggage’. This summer the feeling of ‘home’ got expandedfrom one circle to the whole NSU.
There were so many great moments over the last few days Roosta that I appreciate: overwhelmingly
powerful keynotes, interesting sessions organized by the circle(s) and very inspiring research projects
presented by other participants, as well as opportunity to get to know NSU better. I will leave Roosta
inspired to ‘stay more attuned’ and to ‘look to the world through the eyes of a three-year-old’.
What I will treasure the most, however, are the moments of personal connection(s). The feeling of
knowing someone for a long time regardless having met just a few moments ago. The feeling of wishing to meet again.
Until the next meeting(s),
Irma