Rushika Athia T’25 reflects on her Tuck Global Insight Expedition (GIX) experience in Sweden. She joined Professor Morten Sorensen and Professor Hanne Pico Larsen to explore how Swedish culture values contentment through simplicity—finding fulfillment in having what is needed, and how this philosophy influences the country’s democracy and economy.
What was your first impression of your host location?
My initial encounter with Stockholm was defined by its careful balance of light and shadow, literally and metaphorically. Despite the early winter darkness at 3:30 p.m., the city maintained a warm, inviting atmosphere through strategically placed lighting and welcoming storefronts abuzz with Christmas cheer.
This delicate balance was perhaps best exemplified in Stockholm’s approach to fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break that transcends simple refreshments. Cafes like Vete-Katten (just a few doors down from our hotel), were consistently packed during our visit. I observed how this cultural practice transformed casual coffee breaks into structured moments of connection. The ritual wasn’t merely about consuming coffee and pastries—though the saffron buns were exceptional—but about creating intentional pauses in the day for human connection. My friend and fellow Tuckie, Megan Morrison T’25, and I reunited at the beginning of our Sweden GIX at one of these welcoming cafés. As we sat there, surrounded by the soft glow of candles and the gentle murmur of Swedish conversation, we created our own pocket of warmth and light in this new place. There was something profoundly beautiful about pausing to simply be present—two friends sharing coffee and conversation as the early winter darkness settled outside.
What is a key takeaway from this experience? What have you learned?
The most profound lesson from my time in Sweden was a deeper understanding of contentment through simplicity—a concept that crystallized during an unexpected moment at the House of Candy on a dark Stockholm afternoon. I witnessed how Swedes create light through small, intentional moments of joy, fundamentally shifting my perception of what constitutes happiness and success.
I learned that true contentment isn’t found in constant striving or accumulation, but in creating moments of warmth and finding beauty in simplicity. This lesson has profound implications not just for personal happiness, but for how we might approach business and society: sometimes, the most innovative solution isn’t about adding more, but about finding the right balance.
What I learned went beyond the surface observation of adults casually purchasing godis (candy) without guilt or justification. I discovered how Swedish culture has mastered what we in America often struggle with: finding peace in having exactly what is needed, no more and no less. This wasn’t the relentless pursuit of happiness I was accustomed to, but rather a more sustainable approach to contentment. Through the simple pleasure of a mid-afternoon candy run, I saw how the Swedish concept of lagom—often oversimplified as “just enough”—represents a sophisticated philosophy of balanced living. I learned that true contentment isn’t found in constant striving or accumulation, but in creating moments of warmth and finding beauty in simplicity. This lesson has profound implications not just for personal happiness, but for how we might approach business and society: sometimes, the most innovative solution isn’t about adding more, but about finding the right balance.
What should prospective students know about the GIX and/or TuckGO requirements?
My advice to prospective students would be to embrace every aspect of the experience, both structured and unstructured. The most unexpected treasures came from unplanned moments with fellow Tuckies and faculty. Whether it was sharing my first Michelin-star dining experience in Gothenburg with classmates I hadn’t known well before, or searching the town for Christmas markets, these intimate moments created connections that wouldn’t have been possible in our usual classroom setting. The program’s structure allowed for both organized learning and organic discovery—I found myself having meaningful discussions about Swedish social dynamics during impromptu fika breaks and late-night walks through Gamla Stan with classmates. I encourage students to be open to new experiences and to say “yes” to unexpected invitations.
Rushika Athia is a second-year Tuck student with a background in finance. After earning her BA in english literature from Georgetown University, she managed private equity and venture capital lending portfolios at commercial banks where she particularly enjoyed building and maintaining client relationships. Following Tuck, Rushika plans to pursue a career in private wealth management with Goldman Sachs in Boston.
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