As someone who grew up in a tropical country with only two seasons—wet and dry—experiencing all four seasons, especially a six-month-long winter, feels like a dream come true. Coming from Baguio, one of the coldest cities in the Philippines, I thought I was used to the cold. The lowest temperature I had ever experienced back home was 7°C, and I remember thinking that was freezing. But when I arrived in Finland in September 2022, I was welcomed by 5°C temperatures—and let’s just say, the chills went straight to my bones!
A Deep Appreciation for Nature
One of the things that struck me the most when I arrived in Finland was how clean and fresh the air was—it was literally a breath of fresh air. The city where I grew up, Baguio, is known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cool climate and beautiful forests. I spent much of my childhood enjoying the outdoors—trekking, hiking, and camping. Unfortunately, over the years, much of that natural beauty was lost due to tourism and illegal logging. Seeing Finland’s well-preserved forests, lakes, and open spaces felt like stepping into a version of my childhood that I wished had lasted longer.
Now, we live in Pälkäne, where we are surrounded by nature. We can hike, bike, and swim in the nearby lakes, and the best part is knowing that these places are well taken care of and will still be there for generations to come. It’s an incredible feeling to be in a place where people truly respect and protect the environment.
A Dream Turned Reality
Twelve years ago, my family and I dreamed of migrating to a better country—not just for ourselves, but for our children, so they could have a chance at a better future. Back then, it felt impossible. But here we are now, living in Finland, making that dream a reality.
One of the most magical moments for me was seeing the Aurora Borealis for the first time. I had only ever seen it in pictures, but standing under the Finnish night sky, watching the colors dance above me, brought tears to my eyes. Every time I see it, I feel emotional because it reminds me that everything I once thought was just a dream is now part of my everyday life.
Feeling at Home in Finnish Culture
Another thing that made me feel like I belong here is Finland’s love for milk and cheese—two of my absolute favorites! And of course, let’s not forget coffee—Finns take their coffee culture seriously, and I am more than happy to be part of it.
But beyond food, what I appreciate the most about Finnish culture is its emphasis on balance. Coming from a place where survival mode is the norm, it took me a while to unlearn the constant need to hustle. Back in the Philippines, surviving meant taking every opportunity, even if it meant working in jobs completely unrelated to your degree. Whether you studied Education or IT, you might still end up working as a cashier, a call center agent, or any job that helps pay the bills. The pressure to keep moving, to keep earning, and to never stop working takes a toll—not just physically, but mentally as well.
When I came to Finland, I struggled with the idea that I didn’t have to be constantly moving just to survive. It felt strange at first, but I’ve come to appreciate that life doesn’t have to be a race. Here, I’ve learned that it’s possible to live a slower, more balanced life while still doing meaningful work. That’s why I’m here now—pursuing my passion for teaching, aligning my career with what truly makes me happy.
The Beauty of Less is More
If there’s one thing that Finnish culture has taught me, it’s that less is more. You don’t always have to be busy to be productive. You don’t always have to be working to survive. You can take time to breathe, to enjoy the little things, and to truly live.
Moving to Finland hasn’t just changed where I live—it has changed my perspective on life. And for that, I will always be grateful.
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