As my time in the Master’s in Global Health programme comes to an end, I can’t help but look back and reflect on how much has happened over these past two years. I clearly remember my first day in Uppsala, arriving during the arrival days and being greeted by older students at Blåsenhus. I remember taking that first picture by the Fyris river after walking past the castle and Carolina Rediviva, a library that would later become a home for long hours of studying and group work. I even remember the very first lecture: so many unfamiliar faces, a flood of new experiences, and a sense of uncertainty about what lay ahead. I could have never imagined that these strangers would become my friends, people I would learn to like and even love. People I would laugh with, celebrate milestones with, and worry alongside before an assignment deadline.
We spent three semesters full of courses and one dedicated to exploring a topic of our choice and writing our thesis. We studied hard, delivered presentations and wrote multiple exams and yet we always had time for fika, hiking, a nice walk in the city or a short trip to Stockholm. Our dinner nights and the nation gatherings were highlights that brightened our weekly routines.
The final semester was both challenging and rewarding. Presenting a topic you’re passionate about can feel overwhelming at times, but having friends and teachers ready to support and encourage you made the journey a little easier. I’ll never forget the picture we took as a class on the final day of our thesis presentations. Those once-unfamiliar faces have become people I’ve shared two unforgettable years with, some of whom I will share many more memories with, as they’ve become true friends.
A week before graduation, the Medical Master Council (MMC), which represents students from diverse programs including that of Global Health, hosted a graduation gasque. For those unfamiliar, a gasque is a traditional Swedish student dinner party, complete with music, games, lots of singing, traditions, speeches, and plenty of fun. My friends and I decided to join the graduation gasque as one of our last memories as students. There we had the chance to sing in Swedish, learn about some of the funniest Swedish gasque traditions and of course, finish the dinner with a song as we stood on top of our chairs, the: O, gamla klang och jubeltid. We were warned not to sit back down afterward, as legend has it you wouldn’t graduate if you did. Spoiler: we all graduated.
Graduation day itself was a mix of emotions. Joy was the strongest, but, of course, uncertainty lingered among us too. Some of us had already planned our next steps, while others still weren’t sure which path to follow. I think many of us hadn’t fully realized yet that our Master’s journey had truly come to an end. The ceremony was beautiful—filled with music and heartfelt speeches. We said our goodbyes, shared promises to meet again, and for some, simply said “see you tomorrow.”
Looking back, I’m grateful for every late-night study session, every shared meal, every laugh and every challenge. To those just starting the programme: embrace every experience, big or small. My classmates and I wish you an incredible journey here in Uppsala.