Matriculation: The First Day In a New Era
With wise words from Pippi Longstocking, newly appointed rector Helge Thorbjørnsen welcomed over 500 new NHH students.
What do you get when you mix nerves with damp autumn air drifting down between seven mountains?
The answer reveals itself under the eaves of the auditorium building. There, a group of shivering new NHH students gathers, unsure of where to look or what to say. Few seem to know each other.
It’s 9:20 AM, and many are counting down to the big moment, while the student orchestra Direksjonsmusikken does its best to fill the wait with smiles and energy.
«Intimidating, but exciting»
Among the nervous crowd is Kai Thomas from Munich, Germany. He wanted to study abroad and chose NHH and Bergen — partly because of the proximity to the sea.
«I do a lot of water sports», says Thomas, who, like many other students, doesn’t know anyone yet.
«It’s a bit intimidating, but also exciting», says Thomas as he heads into the matriculation ceremony and a hall full of newcomers — including Rector Helge Thorbjørnsen. He welcomed national and international bachelor students in the BØA and BEDS programmes for the first time.
«It’s an exciting day. We’re all entering unknown territory. You, as students at NHH. Me, as the new rector», said Helge Thorbjørnsen, wearing the rector’s chain around his neck for the very first time.
In a turbulent, rapidly changing world, knowledge in general — and NHH studies in particular — may be more important than ever, Thorbjørnsen emphasized from the stage. But it requires hard work. At the same time, he encouraged students to think about more than just grades and careers between the lectures. He quoted Pippi Longstocking: «If you’re very strong, you must also be very kind.» And added:
«Being kind is always more important than being cool!»
A Nostalgic Minister
At NHH, the environment is well-suited for just that, assured the evening’s keynote speaker, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen (Labour Party).
«Congratulations on one of the best decisions you’ll make in life», the minister told the students.
He knows what he’s talking about. Bjelland Eriksen is an NHH alumnus himself, graduating in 2017. After his inspirational speech, he admitted to feeling deeply nostalgic.
«It kind of feels like my own first day of school again. I wish I could start all over now», he said dreamily to NHH-Bulletin after the ceremony.
«These amazing students have five great years ahead of them. NHH has always been one of our strongest educational institutions, and I feel it’s only gotten better in recent years», said the minister, praising the school for closely linking studies with business and industry. That makes the school especially relevant, he believes.
«At NHH, you learn tools you’ll use for the rest of your life — no matter what you want to do later», he said.