Maryam, who has lived in million-person cities, enjoys living in Seinäjoki – “A small and cozy town where everything is within walking distance”
A Pakistani lawyer who had worked in the country’s Supreme Court, Maryam Mutti, was at a turning point in her life a few years ago.
– When the situation in Pakistan worsened due to the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the change of government, we had to leave the country because of the ongoing crisis and economic instability. We hoped for a better life and a safer future for our family in another country, Maryam says.
Maryam and her husband owned two pharmacies in Islamabad, and in addition her husband worked as a CEO at a large multinational company in Pakistan.
– I was born in Dubai, but I moved to Pakistan to study. In Pakistan I met my husband and lived and worked there for almost a decade before returning to Dubai.
However, Dubai did not feel like a permanent home for the family of four, and therefore Maryam, whose native language is English, considered moving to Europe.
– I plan things quite far ahead. My sister lives in London, but I did not think it would be good for my children to move there.
“I have truly fallen in love with Seinäjoki”
When Maryam’s husband got a place to study at a university of applied sciences in Seinäjoki, the family’s new direction was clear.
– I wanted to experience a calmer, more rural life – something peaceful and close to nature. Seinäjoki is a small, cozy town where everything is within walking distance. I have truly fallen in love with Seinäjoki, Maryam says.
Finland attracted Maryam because of its equality and good education system. She has been satisfied with her new place of residence.
– Although I haven’t been able to practice my profession as a lawyer here myself, the children have a safe everyday life and good schools, and my husband already has a job.
Studies underway at Sedu
Having lived in various cultures, Maryam has come to experience the importance of freedom and safety in Seinäjoki.
– Here my children can cycle to school safely. That is a hugely important thing that perhaps isn’t sufficiently appreciated here.
Maryam is now studying the Finnish language and hospitality at Sedu.
– My hope is that I could find employment in positions corresponding to my profession as a lawyer.
Maryam’s eye-opening tip about Seinäjoki:
One of the most important things I appreciate here is the strong respect for personal space. Here you can live your own life at your own pace without a feeling of hurry or pressure.
Text: Harri Puhakainen
Photo: Matti Hautalahti