As the autumn days get colder and colder, most birds head to the South. Luckily, our very first feathered interviewee, Ferdinand the Goose, decided to stay instead, and agreed to sit down with us and talk about his first year at the University.
You’re the official mascot of SUB ry, the organization for students of English philology. How did you land that coveted position?
Well, I literally am a party animal, so I guess I was the perfect bird for the job. I was given to SUB as an anniversary gift from HYAL (an interdisciplinary student organization) – their mascot is a duck, by the way – and I’ve been representing SUB ever since. I really like my job, because I want to be where the action is. Geese are social animals, you know!
What is your typical day like?
I live in a cardboard banana box in the New Student Building, so I see and hear a lot of interesting stuff… but don’t worry, I’m not a blabbermouth! I spend most of my time just chilling in the banana box, but every time there is a party or some other event, I’m there. I have to be prepared for a possible adventure every day.
What has been your best experience in the University so far?
If I have to pick a single incident, it has to be Vappu celebrations on April 30th, though I must admit my memory is a bit blurry… At one point I wanted to stretch my wings a little and things just escalated from there… I’m still trying to connect all the dots. I might have played strip poker with some psychology majors, and definitely sang karaoke with a Korean boy band, and later woke up in our president’s bag and I can’t remember how I got there! Afterwards I was told that the SUB board had thought they’d lost me forever and totally freaked out! #thegooseisloose!
What do you consider your best qualities?
My patience, my sense of humour, and my gentle smile. I want to make every student feel welcome to hang out with the flock. It’s important to be easily approachable in this job. I sometimes get weird looks from people who don’t know me, but I make a pretty good ice breaker, too! I mean, how often do you see a group of people in red overalls ceremonially carrying a goose?
Seems like you are very close with students. Do you have any advice for them?
Just be yourself, keeping up appearances is exhausting. Don’t take life too seriously. Do something silly and spontanious from time to time.
What are your plans or hopes for the future?
At the moment I’m very excited about SUB’s Freshman sitsit and the upcoming Halloween party. I’m also considering setting up a personal Instagram account. And of course I wish for world peace and a new season of House of Cards, all that good stuff. But that’s up to you humans.
Who is your personal hero? Ryan Gosling, because he’s an inspiration to all the goslings out there.