Igår fick jag förmånen att hålla ett tal för de ca 50 personer, ifrån hela världen, som tagit examen ifrån Grit:lab. En känslosam tillställning som för min del avslutade ett resa som började med en idé, för dryga två år sedan, ifrån Daniella och Francois ifrån PAF. En idé som sedan drogs igenom, regering, parlament, Ålands Yrkesgymnasie och därefter förankrades hos många olika aktörer. Jag har vetat länge att det är en succé men igår kunde jag konstatera att det bliv fantastiskt lyckat från början till slut. Cirka 25 personer har redan fått jobba på Åland, flera har träffat en partner och många kommer stanna och bygga sitt liv här. Om några veckor börja nästa gäng, dryga 50 personer varav 34 kommer utanför EU. Fantastiskt.
Talet jag höll var ungefär det här:
Dear Grit:Lab family,
Wow, what a journey it has been! And what an incredible achievement you all have accomplished!
Standing here today, watching you reached the finish line, fills me with such pride and joy for each and every one of you.
When we first met over two years ago, so much was uncertain.
We were all filled with more questions than answers. We were all nervous, from our own perspective. I know, many of you were asking yourselves,
”Will this work for me? Will it be worth coming here? Will I secure a spot in the first class? Will the class even start? Where will I live? What kind of people will I be studying with? What kind of place is Åland? Will I find a job after this? Is this really for me?”
On my side, I was optimistic but undeniably nervous. What if this doesen’t work out? Will a school without teachers work? Why isn’t there anything like this in Sweden, Norway or Denmark? Will the students like Åland? Will they move here? If they do, were will they stay? Is PAF the right organization to run this? What about the pandemic? Is it even possible to start this now?
And what if this will be a complete failure? I am the one, responsible for pushing it through the government, parliament, and the political system. If it doesn’t work, I know who will get the blame…
So many questions, and no answers.
But despite all these doubts and fears, we moved forward. You passed the “piscine” and got a seat in the Lab. You took the leap, you trusted in your gut feeling, and today, looking at all of you. Today I know it was worth every moment of uncertainty. And I have to say, Grit:lab is the initiative that I am most proud to have played a role in during my 20-year political career. An initiative that truly has been a game-changer and a success story and I am so glad that it will continue.
I have had the privilege of following your journey from start to finish. I know that the path here hasn’t been easy. I know there have been many late nights, early mornings, and countless cups of coffee and energy drinks…
I know there have been moments of frustration, doubt, and uncertainty. But you know what?
It’s precisely those moments that have shaped you, made you stronger, and prepared you for everything that lies ahead.
You have all come from all corners of the world, from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and now you stand together, on the finish line with many new friends for life, a lifechanging experience behind you, so much more knowledge and wisdom than you had two years ago — that is nothing short of inspiring.
And now, some of you may be wondering what comes next?
I want to say this: Åland Islands need you! Our community needs your skills, your creativity, and your unique talent. Åland needs people like you who dare to take risks, who challenge the established norms and people who are not afraid of making mistakes and learn from them. People how do things, not just talk.
Remember, as you step out into the world, that ”only dead fish follow the stream.” Don’t be afraid to go against the current, to challenge conventional thinking, and to pave your own path. It’s those who dare to swim upstream who truly make a difference.
There will be challenges ahead. There will be setbacks, failures, and moments of doubt. But always remember that every great achievement begins with a single step, a single line of code, and a single idea. And every change, starts with a small step. One step at a time, and continue. Keep the forward motion, don’t stop. keep on going! Just like you have done here at Grit:lab.
And remember that you are not alone—you are now a part of a local community here on Åland that values and needs your contribution.
So when you soon take your next step. I want you to remember a few things:
First, never stop learning. The world and the world of coding is constantly evolving, and you need to stay ahead of the curve. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep challenging yourself to reach new heights.
Second, never stop creating. Coding is not just about solving problems; it’s about creating something new, something innovative, something that can change old structures and norms. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Do a lot of mistakes, learn from them!
Third, never stop believing in yourself. You have come this far, and that is something to be incredibly proud of. Believe in your abilities, believe in your passion, and believe in your potential to make a difference.
And finally, and maybe the most important advice I can give.
Never stop having fun. Never forget to enjoy the ride, to laugh with friends, and to celebrate your successes along the way. Always have a bottle of champagne nearby, celebrate even small successes.
So, dear Grit:Lab digital talents, friends.
Take everything you have learned here, and go out there to change the world and our islands, one line of code at a time. Åland and the world lie before you, full of opportunities and I have every confidence that you will meet them with the same enthusiasm, creativity, and tireless grit that you have shown here.
Congratulations to you all! You’ve done it!
Good luck, and never forget that you will always be part of the Grit:lab family, you were the first, you were the pioneers, you were the brave test pilots, you are the originals, your are GRIT!
Jag slängde in det här talet i en Ai och bad den göra en countrylåt av innehållet, tycker själv den blev riktigt bra. Jag spelade den inte under examinationen men tänkte att jag lägger upp den här också så du får se vart vi är på väg.
Fredrik Karlström 