Meredith: Finnish students are closely watching American election
09/14/2016

On day four of ISTA President Teresa Meredith’s trip to Finland, she and a group of state association presidents visited Hiidenkivi primary school in Tapanila, Helsinki, Finland. The comprehensive school serves grades 1 – 9.

Along with learning directly from students on their typical school days, students had questions for Meredith about the American presidential election.

The ninth grade students asked Meredith and other local presidents who they were hoping would win the election, Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.

“Geographically, Finland borders Russia. So they are anxious about the election outcome,” said Meredith.

“The ninth graders asking about the election didn't bother me nearly as much as the young children asking,” said Meredith. “One of us responded to one of the children by saying we really didn't know who would win, but that we are concerned. The child responded, 'Americans will do the right thing.’”

“With a pain in my heart, all I can think of is 'I sure hope so,'” said Meredith. “These children shouldn't have to be concerned with our election – but boy, are they!”