Me and my community

                                 Picture taken by me last time I visited Rio de Janeiro in Brazil 

As an immigrant Brazilian-Italian national living in Finland, I found myself navigating a new cultural landscape. I brought with me a rich blend of traditions from Brazil and Italy, and as an early childhood teacher, I discovered my unique role in weaving these cultural threads into the diverse fabric of Finnish society.

 

 My belief in the government's responsibility to regulate the well-being of its citizens aligned with Finland's strong social welfare system.

 I admire the country's commitment to education, healthcare, and social services, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, had access to quality early childhood education. 

 

I am passionate about contributing to the development of young minds, seeing my role not just as an educator but as a bridge between my own cultural background and the Finnish society I had embraced. 

In the classroom, I celebrated diversity. I incorporated elements from Brazilian and Italian cultures into my teaching, exposing my students to a world beyond their immediate surroundings. 

 

I organize multicultural events where families were invited to share their traditions, and create a sense of unity and understanding among the children and their parents.

 

My commitment extended beyond the classroom walls. Recognizing the importance of community building, I actively participated in local initiatives that aimed to integrate immigrants into Finnish society. 

 

I volunteered to organize cultural exchange programs, bringing together families from different backgrounds to share experiences and learn from one another. 

 

My work is not only about educating children but also about creating a sense of belonging for immigrant families. I became a resource for parents, helping them navigate the Finnish education system and connecting them with support servicesif requested. 

 

As the years passed (2 years), I felt a deep connection to Finland. I embraced local traditions, and built lasting friendships with both fellow educators and families in my community. 

 

My perspective as an immigrant added a valuable layer to the cultural mosaic of Finnish society, contributing to the enrichment of the collective identity. In my journey as an early childhood teacher, I exemplified the idea that individuals, regardless of their origin, could play an integral role in shaping the social fabric of their adopted home. 

 

I am proud of my life I believe of cultural diversity and the role of education in fostering understanding and unity within a society that welcomed and valued the contributions of all its members.