Name?
Brenda Ayebale.

What did you study at Savonia?
Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business.

What is your current profession?
Soon to be graduate and currently working part-time in the cleaning sector while actively applying for roles in administration, Human Resources and other sectors.

Which three words best describe your study experience?
Challenging, rewarding, life-changing!

Do you have any special memories, experiences, or stories from your time as a student that you would like to share with us?
One of the most unforgettable experiences was being part of the student tutoring team. Helping new international students settle in and find their place at Savonia gave me purpose and connection. I also made lifelong friends from around the world and even found love in Finland! Memories I’ll always cherish.

What was your biggest challenge during your studies, and how did you overcome it?
Balancing work, studies, and life in a new country was not easy. There were times I cleaned in the mornings, studied during the day, and still had evening work – all while learning Finnish and adjusting to a new culture. What helped me push through was self discipline, support from friends and teachers, and always keeping my goals in sight.

What is the most important skill you have learned during your higher education studies?
Adaptability – learning to work in multicultural teams, handle deadlines, and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life has been invaluable.

What is your biggest dream or goal now that you have graduated?
To build a fulfilling career in Finland, either in administration or healthcare assistance, while continuing to grow both professionally and personally. I also dream of becoming fully fluent in Finnish and integrating even deeper into Finnish society.

What do you want to be when you grow up – what are your future aspirations?
I want to be someone who contributes meaningfully to her community, whether through healthcare, community support, or social impact projects. I hope to someday start a project or business that supports immigrants like myself.

Any good tips for future students?
Stay curious, stay open, and never be afraid to ask for help. Take every opportunity to get involved, from tutoring to networking to language cafés. You’ll learn as much outside the classroom as you will inside it. And always remember: small steps lead to big changes.