Why does someone pack up their belongings and move to a new town? Many people relocate for work, love, new challenges, or other important reasons. The same was true for three teachers at Lähemäki primary school.
For Hanna-Kaisa Kupiainen, Marianne Somppi and Arttu Soininen, the decision to move to Mikkeli stemmed from different circumstances. In the end, however, they have all come to appreciate many of the same things about their new home city. One of the most important is the ease of everyday life.
Hanna-Kaisa Kupiainen says her family’s decision to move from Espoo to Mikkeli was driven by a desire to find a calmer environment in which to raise their young child.
“After our child was born, the idea of living in a smaller town kept growing stronger. We kept an eye on job opportunities in Mikkeli before deciding to take the leap.”
Marianne Somppi, who moved to Mikkeli from Sodankylä in northern Finland, says the decision was partly based on practical considerations.
“My spouse is originally from here, and neither of us wanted to move to the Helsinki metropolitan area. When a job opportunity came up here, we decided to give Mikkeli a try.”
For Arttu Soininen, the move was motivated by a desire to experience something new in life.
“My children are already adults. I felt that if I was ever going to make a major life change, now was the right time. Mikkeli seemed a natural choice because it is close enough to Savonlinna, familiar in many ways, and just the right size.”
The first autumn in the city has been busy both professionally and personally. Kupiainen, who was accustomed to life in the capital region, says the biggest difference can be measured in time.
“We now have considerably more time together as a family. Getting from one place to another is easy, and cycling around Mikkeli is very convenient.”
Somppi immediately noticed the scale of the city. Coming from Lapland, she particularly appreciates its proximity to nature.
“It is a very easy city to get to know. Distances are short and nature is always close by. Being able to reach the forest easily is important to me.”
Soininen highlights Mikkeli’s central location.
“It is easy to travel in many directions from here. Helsinki, Kuopio, Jyväskylä and many other cities are within comfortable reach. Logistically, Mikkeli is in an excellent location.”
A pleasant school environment
Arttu Soininen has nearly three decades of teaching experience behind him.
“I have enjoyed working in all of my previous schools, but I have to say this is exactly the right size of school for me. It is neither too small nor too large.”
According to Kupiainen, one of the biggest positive surprises has been the staff structure.
“Things work here. There are people you can turn to for help quickly. Collaboration functions well, and you do not have to manage everything on your own.”
The school’s resources also receive praise.
“Teaching materials and equipment are readily available, and you do not have to spend your time constantly searching for resources. There has clearly been thought put into making teachers’ work smoother,” says Somppi.
Kupiainen also highlights the school’s physical environment.
“The school has excellent outdoor areas and great learning environments nearby. Nature is within walking distance, and there are plenty of opportunities for physical activity. It brings additional possibilities into teaching.”
The teachers stress that a well-functioning school depends on more than just its teachers. Catering staff, cleaners, maintenance personnel and pupil welfare professionals all play a vital role.
“There are enough adults here doing the jobs that are essential to the daily life of a school. That benefits both staff and pupils,” Kupiainen says.
Mikkeli offers more than many people realise
When the conversation turns to Mikkeli’s strengths, the list quickly grows. The city’s market square receives praise from all three teachers. For Arttu Soininen in particular, it has become an almost daily meeting place.
“Small towns are sometimes talked about as if nothing ever happens in them. That simply is not true,” Somppi says.
Could Mikkeli become a permanent home? The question still inspires some reflection. Somppi describes herself as being in a sort of trial period.
“We will see how the winter feels and how everyday life develops. But so far, it has been a very good place to be.”
Soininen admits that he still misses the family members who remain in Savonlinna.
“I miss my children from time to time. At the same time, though, I find myself feeling happy to return to Mikkeli every Sunday. It is a good place to be.”
The strongest endorsement comes from Kupiainen.
“We had a very good life in Espoo, but something always felt missing. Since moving here, I have had the feeling that this could truly be our place.”