Verna & Anna H. (International Tutors)
Anna Huju
Anna — better known as Huju to her friends — is one of the most outgoing and extroverted people you’ll ever meet! Now starting the second year of her studies, she’s impossible to miss on the Kumpula campus, where her signature blonde hair, quick wit, and infectious laughter always draw a lively crowd. Born and raised in Vuosaari, she’s now traded the beaches of eastern Helsinki for a cozy home in Haaga. Rumour has it that Kouvola has also had the chance to win Huju’s heart.
Anna is the tutor you can count on in any situation. She’s got all kinds of experience to back her up as she has conquered one task after another in the army, and in Helsinki prisons (thankfully as a guard) But don’t be fooled by the tough résumé — she’s just as comfortable sorting beads in a toy store or tracking down the afterparty of the afterparty.
When Anna is around, the job gets done. She’s currently the kitchen master on the MaO board and editor of Mantu. Academically, Anna is drawn to health geography. In addition to doing her magic at the GIS-labs, this year, you can also spot her in Viikki surrounded by microscopes as she’s starting her minor subject in molecular biology!
On party nights, you can find Anna on the dance floor, singing Smurf versions of various songs, or maybe snacking on her late-night snack: cabbage. Need a nicotine fix? Chances are, she’s carrying not one, not two, but three varieties — just in case. Whether you want to party until the sun rises, or just chill with a pint and talk about anything and everything, Anna is the kind of person who’s always up for both – and everything in between. And of course, the next day you’ll find her hitting PRs at the gym.
So, to sum it up, whether you’re after a reliable gym buddy, an energetic party companion, or simply someone who’s always ready to listen, laugh, and lift you up, Anna is the kind of person you’ll want to have around. With her, you’ll never be bored, and will without question have the time of your life during your studies in Helsinki.
Verna Heikkilä
What do my eyes see? Shining pepsodent smile? Baggy jeans that need a belt? Unimaginable aura? Well, it has to be our geography department’s own Verna Heikkilä!
Even though Verna is originally from the midst of cows in Viikki, in her heart she belongs in East Helsinki. Born and raised in Myllypuro, the spirit of Helsinki runs through Verna’s veins. If you listen really closely, you might hear someone speaking roadman on campus, and you’ll know that Verna must be close. Like the old saying goes, you can take the person away from East Helsinki, but you’ll never take East Helsinki out of a person.
In the end Verna packed her bags, hopped on the subway and made her way to the heart of the capital: Kamppi. There, in her studio apartment the size of a walk-in closet, she could admire the view, but it came with a price. That’s why Verna has gotten to try out many different jobs in her life. If you can’t find a book you need, don’t worry! Verna has worked at a library. Is a wedding day coming up, but you have no one pouring the drinks? No problem, Verna has the skills and experience. And of course, if you are in need of a drink during a hot summer day, Verna has honed her margarita bucket making skills in Iguana-bar!
In her studies Verna is focusing on geoinformatics and to be honest, she’s a GIS- wizard! She’e also interested inp physical geography. If you don’t see her during lectures, it’s not about the lack of motivation. She probably just slept over one (or five) of her alarms. But the one place where you are sure to find Verna is on the dance floor of the after party, where she is showing off her superior dancing skills. We’re not talking about basic finnish head nodding, we’re talking about hip hop, contemporary dance and ballet!
Verna loves to travel but will not survive if the UV-index is above 5. And if you don’t know how to start a conversation, you can ask her about pigeons and how humanity has wronged them.
To summarize, Verna is amazing, super chill and the funniest person you’ll ever meet! So don’t hesitate to get to know her. I can promise you that Verna’s laugh will make even a bad day feel a little better. I just know that with Verna, your time studying in Helsinki will be unforgettable!
Don’t hesitate to contact your tutors if you have any questions!
Anna.huju@helsinki.fi
verna.heikkila@helsinki.fi