You may be wondering who Pinja is and why we are asking her 5 questions. Pinja is from Finland and has come to volunteer with us. We owe the fact that she can spend a year with us at FACE CLUB and bring a piece of her culture among us to the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), which supports projects like this and others. Through this interview we will try to introduce Pinja to you, but know that in person it is much better. You can meet her and use your English or Finnish language skills at FACE CLUB, but certainly outside it too.
- Please introduce yourself briefly. Who are you, actually?
My name is Pinja Emilia Ellinoora Virtanen. I come from Finland, from a small town called Ryttylä. I am 19 years old and next year, here in Slovakia, I will celebrate my 20th birthday. I have 5 siblings, a mum, a dad and a stepmother who is married to my mum. I am the middle child. I have an older sister, 2 older brothers and 2 younger brothers. I love having siblings.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like playing video games, drawing, painting, playing the piano and dancing. I also like my own projects. Through them I can do whatever I want.
- What was your motivation to come to Slovakia for 1 year?
Before I came here, I wanted to change my life. I always dreamed of moving to another country. Now I had a perfect opportunity to go somewhere, so I decided to apply to several places.
I had been googling these things since I was 14. But only after turning 18 could I finally apply to ESC programmes. I also wanted to go somewhere for a whole year. I applied to only 2 countries, but Slovakia was my first choice.
- When did you first hear about Slovakia? Had you been here before? Was the choice of country a decisive factor for you? If so, why Slovakia?
I love geography, and when I found out I had passed the interview and could come here, I started looking for more information about Slovakia. It is my first time in Slovakia, but at least so far I have loved every single day here. I wanted to come to Slovakia because this country and this volunteering placement looked really good.
- What have you managed to do since you arrived? What is your best experience?
I have learned how nice the people here are. I really like it here. I think my favourite experience here was the party at the pond. I am truly happy that I came here, but I still have plenty to learn.
