Lauriina Markkula: “Let’s Create a Close-Knit Community Together”

Inspiring, engaging, and fun—that’s how student member Lauriina Markkula describes her experience on the Ornamo board. She has found a new community in Ornamo that supports her as she nears the end of her university studies.

Sunny greetings to all Ornamo members! 

I’m Lauriina Markkula, a student board member at Ornamo and a master’s student in Contemporary Design at Aalto University. 

I must say, I was surprised by how warm and dynamic board work can be. I had feared that board meetings would be stiff and formal, but instead they turned out to be inspiring, inclusive, and even fun! I was especially delighted by the determination of the board members to move Ornamo toward a more sustainable, equal, and inclusive future. It’s wonderful to be part of this group, even if I do feel a little stage fright among such capable people. 

The importance of community 

As my studies near their end, I find myself reflecting more and more on the significance of community. The university environment has made possible so many meaningful encounters, which I fear I might lose after graduation. At Aalto, I get to share my passion for the field with other students, learn from professionals, and be part of a community that supports innovation. 

But what happens after graduation? Can I find, or even build, such a community outside the university? 

Ornamo as an answer 

Amidst these thoughts, a friend mentioned the opportunity to become a student member of Ornamo’s board, and I realized it could be a natural way to explore what community could look like in my professional environment. 

Now that I’ve joined the board, met its members, and familiarized myself more closely with Ornamo’s activities, I feel hopeful and even a bit relieved. In the midst of uncertain employment prospects, resources like Ornamo’s collected data, salary statistics, guidelines, training, and interest groups provide opportunities to learn and network with other professionals around meaningful topics. 

Join the discussion 

Ornamo lives and evolves through new voices and perspectives. If you have ideas on how Ornamo could better support students and strengthen community, come join the discussion – let’s build a better community together!