I joined Teekkari culture in 2016 after moving to Finland that same summer. In it, I found a place to belong; a feeling that I never expected to find in a country that was once not my own. At events, parties, and just by sitting in the guild room, I found connection to so many people, many of whom I will never meet in person. Through work in various boards, committees, projects, and now in my work for TEK, I found a purpose and a passion, and made experiences I will remember for the rest of my life.
I love Teekkari culture, and I have seen both some of its best bits, and some of its worst. Most of all though, I have seen its ability to rapidly change and become more inclusive, and I am eternally grateful to have been able to be a part of those changes. Last summer, I worked to translate the TEK Guide to Teekkari Culture completely into English.
In Autumn 2022, Teekkari culture celebrated its 150th birthday. Within this long history, there have been an almost uncountable number of events held, moments celebrated, and traditions created, all of which come together to form what we now know of as Teekkari culture. From the outside, or from the perspective of one new to it, this can all look as daunting as it does exciting. Together, it can represent infinite possibilities, or instead shackles that bind the creativity to begin something new.
With so much history, and so many traditions, Teekkari culture can to some even appear highly exclusive. That while the culture is amazing for a select group of people, only those who fit into it, or at least can change themselves enough to do so, can find their place within something so old and special. That only they can feel truly included, or able to make it their new home and place to belong. That only they can truly be called Teekkari.
After all, what is one person compared to a culture so carefully moulded over so many years? Is changing a tradition or way of doing things in order to fit them in really worth it, if it risks damaging what makes the culture special? Is there a line, over which we should not cross? Is there a wall we dare not break down, for fear of collapsing everything once strong?
When spending time in Teekkari culture however, one fact is clear.
It is the Teekkari people themselves, who make the culture
Being Teekkari would not be what it is today without a hugely varied collection of people. It would not be special without the ability to change; to fit into a shifting society, and to allow people to be who they want to be within it. It is this ability, and a diverse range of people possessing it, that has given us these events, moments, and traditions that we know and love today.
As society has become more open and inclusive, so too has Teekkari culture. As society has become more international, so too has Teekkari culture. As society has become more respectful to all people, so too has Teekkari culture. The threat to our culture isn’t change, it is a lack of it.
TEK is proud to have been a part of these changes. For example, through a series of projects from 2021 to 2023, TEK has studied the inclusivity of Teekkari culture, finding the types of inequality and their sources, and creating a guide for both associations and people on how to be more inclusive in their activities. We believe in a world, a Finland, and a Teekkari culture, that is fair and equal to everyone, and hope that this guide provides one step towards those ideals. You can find the guide here.
Finally, as mentioned at the start of this post, for the first time the TEK Guide to Teekkari Culture is now available fully in English. This allows all students to read about the history of the culture they are now a part of, to understand different core aspects of it, and to see how traditions and habits have grown and changed between guilds or cities. By giving this greater understanding, the guide hopefully increases the ability to feel included for those not originally born in Finland, and reduces the chance that they feel excluded by some part of the culture.
This can help them belong. This can help them be Teekkari.