Summer School alum story: Personal Growth and Renewal course revealed the interplay between design, adaptability, and visionary leadership

New session, new scenery

From Julia’s perspective, showing up at different places every morning went really well for the whole group, as it allowed the students to avoid presumptions and make the most out of the situations. “The learning experience itself was very different to what I at least experienced before in education. We were told about the overall goal of this journey of transformation for ourselves, and we set this for ourselves in our personal mission brief. We were not told beforehand what we were going to do each and every day. It was a surprise. So, we were able to start and be open for each activity and situation.” Julia says. 

During the course of the days, Julia found how the sessions were connected. One of the stand-out sessions for her took place at a judo dojo. Without any previous experience in martial arts, she learned how to change perspectives and transfer physical body movement into movement in her mind.

Takeaway #1: Design as a catalyst for transformation

One of the course’s key takeaways for Julia was understanding that design can go beyond shaping product or service experiences. Moreover, design can be a catalyst for transformation and progress, especially when using user-centric or human-centric design approaches. “With the group, we discovered the symbiotic relationship between design and purpose, which I think is a major topic right now,” she continues.

Takeaway #2: Value of iteration

Julia points out that iteration has a significant value in sculpting visions and expectations and helping them remain relevant in an ever-changing environment. Transformation does not end at a predetermined finish line but is an ongoing process. Therefore, hiding from what is happening around us is not an option. 

Takeaway #3: Enthusiasm can be temporary

Finally, Julia mentions how she has always been enthusiastic about new things but unsure how long the enthusiasm stays with her. During the course, she learned that enthusiasm for new adventures blends with feeling content at the very moment. Moreover, one can embrace it without knowing how long the feeling lasts. She felt such a moment during the course on Seurasaari island in the middle of the forest. “We were simply listening to our surroundings and feeling the touch of the leaves or stepping on a rock.”

The more unsure you are about applying, the more you should actually do it

As Julia’s accommodation provided her with a bike, she took the opportunity to explore the nearby areas on the saddle. Cycling through Helsinki is the ideal way of getting around, not only enjoying the peace and quiet but also discovering unknown paths. And as it turns out, those trails tend to have the best views and are well worth taking.

Julia summarises for someone considering applying to a summer school course: “The more unsure you are about applying, the more you should actually do it. That way, you will get the most out of it. No matter in which stage of life or situation of life you are, you can always get something out of it, either professionally or personally.”

Note: This course implementation (summer 2023) was formerly called Leading Transformation. Its new name is Personal Growth and Renewal.