Hello fellow classmates and teachers! It’s really nice to be here sharing with you more about myself, about what’s happening in my life and about the new journey I’m heading to. My name is Leslie, and I’m currently 21 years old, from Viet Nam.

How Living in Finland changed my life?

I started my journey to Finland when I was a little 17-year-old girl. This was the first time that I detached myself from my family and my beloved ones to step out of my comfort zone, to be independent and discover the big big world. At the beginning, it was challenging for me to experience the different culture in peaceful Finland which is totally in contrast with my home town – an occupied and crowded country. However, I ended up enjoying the peace and tranquility in Rovaniemi, Finland, I fell in love with the beauty of scenery around me and other breath-taking landscape in small yet beautiful city.

I have to admit that living in Finland has changed my life. Going through all difficulties at the beginning, I am now more independent, positive and able to find happiness wherever I live.

Study life at Lapland UAS, Finland.

I also had fun and meaningful time while studying, gaining knowledge at Lapland UAS. Besides lectures, assignments, exams and whatever a student couldn’t escape, I had chances to do more exciting things such as implementing practical project, participating in study tour,… At Lapland UAS, we gain knowledge not only from theory and books, we mainly learn from experience. That’s why our school is called “University of applied sciences” 😀

This semester, we’re going to have another study tour in Kainuu. Unfortunately, I’m learning totally remotely because of Covid-19 pandemic and will not be able to experience the destination directly. But thanks to my lovely classmates, I’m gonna “visit” the places with pictures, videos, and many interesting stories from them.

During my study, I also got some jobs in the tourism industry. My first job was being a Santa Helper at Santa Park. It was sometimes challenging to work in high-season in Lapland, but at the same time, I was involved in multi-cultural working environment, made good friends, gained valuable practical experience. I truly appreciate what I got during my study time.

A New Journey is about to Start!

Time went by, now I’m completing the last semester at Lapland UAS, my study journey has to come to its end soon. However, when one door closes, another opens, I’m willing to start my new journey after graduating. Even though I still haven’t had any clear plan after graduation, hopefully with the profound knowledge and valuable experience I gained, I will be able to go on my own and develop my future career! And wherever I go, Finland and many meaningful memories there would stay at the bottom of my heart <3

How about you and your journey? Have you had any amazing plan after graduating? Let’s stay connected and start blogging, I’d love to read all inspiring stories of yours.