What I've learned this year as a student leader

First of all, I've learned that working at 300% capacity can work ... but only if someone else is doing your laundry, cooking your meals, and occasionally reminding you to sleep.

I've learned that this school is, like many institutions, a slow-moving ship. But slow doesn't mean immobile. It can turn. And it does turn when students speak up. When we work not only for ourselves but for those who will come after us. When we insist on being heard, even when it's inconvenient.

The change may not always come immediately. In fact, sometimes it feels like shouting into the void. But even the smallest shift today can become a new direction tomorrow.

I've learned a lot of Norwegian vocabulary. I can now debate the intricacies of exam regulations, school budgeting, and music education policies. But to be honest, I'm still hopeless when the conversation turns to football.

Some mysteries remain unsolved. I've learned that some people here -students, staff, teachers, administrators go far beyond what's expected of them. They're not just fulfilling a role; they are the heart of this place. And they deserve recognition, appreciation ... and probably a raise.

I've learned the value of small things. Of a strong coffee when you think you can't make it to your next meeting. Of a power nap that saves your entire afternoon. Of a spontaneous conversation in the hallway that turns into a new idea, a new project, or just a shared laugh.

And then there are moments that remind me of why we are here. One of the most powerful for me was during the IN.TUNE project.

After three long days of intense meetings and discussions with student representatives from across Europe, do you know what we ended up doing? We made music. We sang together.

Because, in the end, that's what binds us. Not just the policies and the programs but also the joy of creating, of sharing, and being part of something larger than ourselves. It's easy to forget, especially when we're caught up in the everyday stress and deadlines, but at the core of everything we do here-whether it's administration, pedagogy, or performance—it is about music. About health. About research. About the joy of learning and creating together. Before I finish, I want to offer a few words to those of you who are stepping into different stages of your journey.

Enjoy it. Explore it. Use what the school has to offer. Say yes to opportunities, even when they scare you. And remember-you're not only working for yourself. You are shaping this place for the people who will come after you. Be kind. Be bold. Be noisy when it matters.

Wow. You made it. You've crossed the finish line of what is, quite frankly, the hardest escape room I've ever seen. But as you go out into the world, don't forget to remain a student - not in title, but in spirit.

Keep learning. Keep being curious. Keep experimenting. Life is long, and being a good student of it is one of the most beautiful things you can do.

Thank you for the trust, the conversations, the challenges, and the shared laughter. It's been an honour to serve, to learn, and to grow alongside all of you.

Lucie Lou Camps, student leader at NMH 2024/2025, speech at the End of semest ceremony, 20 June 2025