For Iris Vuohelainen (11), a 16-year old exchange student from Helsinki, Finland, the blare of a 6 a.m. alarm doesn’t just mark the start to her day. It also signifies the yearlong journey she is currently taking to shape her identity as a junior at Ladue High School. Through new experi

ences, pushing herself outside her comfort zone and embracing change, Vuohelainen is reflecting on the moments in her life that make her who she is.

“I was excited that [Ladue has] such a spirit in school,” Vuohelainen said. “And [Ladue has] a lot of activities [like] the football games. Everything is so much bigger [in the U.S.].”

Vuohelainen’s decision to study in the U.S. stemmed from her family along with her own personal goals. 

“I wanted to do the exchange here because my mom and my aunt have both done it, and they said it was high energy,” Vuohelainen said. “I came to America because I wanted somewhere [where people] can speak English, because I can speak English.”

Vuohelainen’s identity has always been shaped by her willingness to try new things. Back home, Vuohelainen spent her time practicing cheerleading, which allowed her to exercise her athleticism while being connected to her peers. In the U.S., she has picked up new activities that have let her explore her creative side. 

“I like my ceramics class,” Vuohelainen said. “It’s super different. We don’t have [that] in our high school [in Finland].”

Academics are one of the biggest shifts shaping Vuohelainen’s identity this year. In Finland, instead of four years, high school is only three years. Along with other changes, Vuohelainen’s experience in the U.S. has made her realize how drastically her academic lifestyle has changed within the past few months. 

“I think our classes are super subject-based [in Finland]; we don’t have marketing class,” Vuohelainen said. “They’re super, ‘this is biology,’ and we go through that, and ‘this is physics,’ and we go through that, and [we don’t have] real-world [skill classes].”

Aside from school, as Vuohelainen adjusts to a new environment, she is noticing how her identity is actively adapting to a different way of living. In the states, Vuohelainen has noticed how her long-held sense of independence has been fundamentally challenged.

“The biggest [challenge] is I cannot go anywhere without someone else,” Vuohelainen said. “So if I’m like, ‘Oh, I want to go to the store,’ then I have to ask someone to drop me off to the store and everything like that.”

Back home, independence was a key component to Vuohelainen’s identity and how she went about life. Since public transportation is the standard in Finland,  Vuohelainen was always able to travel using the metro, buses, trains and trams spread throughout the city. 

“I think a lot of [kids], especially European kids who have good public transport from [a] young age, they’re super independent, because they can go everywhere, anytime they want,” Vuohelainen said. “So back at home, I used to [be] like, ‘Oh, I need something from there, okay, I’m gonna go.’ I didn’t have to ask someone else’s permission and arrange my schedule with someone.”

Friendship is another thing Vuohelainen holds close to her identity. 17-year-old Effi Kohtala, Vuohelainen’s friend from Finland, has built a close connection to Vuohelainen over the last four years that they’ve known each other. Through frequent sleepovers, sports and shared classes, Kohtala has gotten to know the characteristics that make Vuohelainen who she is. 

“I think Iris will be the greatest exchange student,” Kohtala said. “[She’s] positive and doesn’t give up. Those are good [traits] to have when you’re doing [an] exchange year. And I think she really will enjoy it.”

Kohtala’s support for Vuohelainen began with difficult endings. 

“I was shocked when Iris told me that she [would] leave me, because we pretty much hang out every single day, and we’re best friends,” Kohtala said.

“I was crying. I was so sad when she told me she would leave and do an exchange [year]. Of course, I was happy for her that she gets to experience [an exchange year]. But I was devastated. It was [a] really hard time for me.”

Despite relationships left behind, Vuohelainen has begun to build new ones at Ladue High School. Emma Hsiao (12) who shares a Film Analysis class with Vuohelainen has found Vuohelainen to have contributed to the Ladue community through her willingness to try new things and share her perspective on various topics. 

“[Vuohelainen is] pretty capable, she always has ideas and is friendly,” Hsiao said. “I’ve heard her talk about the school systems from where she is [from] and how fast-paced they are, which I found interesting. [I] hope to learn from her [about] Finland, like what a normal day would look like there.”

Additionally, Vuohelainen’s host family has been a constant support as she adjusts to a new life. The Bauers’ have ensured Vuohelainen feels like a part of the family by taking her out to explore St. Louis and by making sure she’s included in family dinners and movie nights.

“My host mom [is] super

, super nice,” Vuohelainen said. “She’s welcoming [and] if I have concerns about anything, she’s ready to [help].”

Tradition is another piece to Vuohelainen’s identity. Growing up in Finland, celebrating holidays allowed her to connect with her community. Vuohelainen enjoys Vappu, or May Day, a Finnish holiday during the beginning of the spring season where students celebrate the end of the year and graduation. Students partake in wearing graduation caps while enjoying big parties and picnics which can last for a week or longer. 

“We go to picnic in the same [area],” Vuohelainen said. “Everyone usually goes there, so it’s super cool. It is like [a] high school, university party thing. So people try to remember those [moments].” 

While Vuohelainen is excited to experience holidays exclusive to the U.S., she has already begun embracing a few new traditions with the Bauer family.

“We went to Colorado [during Labor Day weekend],” Vuohelainen said. “We went to Top Golf and we went hiking. We did so much [in Colorado]. It was super fun.”

Beyond the holidays, Vuohelainen has bridged the gap between cultures with her host family through exchanging traditional flavors and foods.

“We did food testing because I brought so much Finnish candy here,” Vuohelainen said. “So with my host family, we tried it. I went [also] to taste all the fast food [in the U.S.]. I think everything is a lot sweeter [here].”

At home, Vuohelainen enjoys traditional foods that represent her cultural identity growing up in Finland. 

“We live [next to] the ocean,” Vuohelainen said. “So we have a lot of fish [in Finland]. [Also] we have the [Finnish brand] Fazer, they have good chocolate, so I miss that. And regular foods. Karjalanpiirakka is a [cultural food] we usually eat as breakfast. It’s super good.”

As Vuohelainen continues her year, she hopes to weave all her new experiences into her growing identity. Though she has only been living in the U.S. since August

, her time here has highlighted her core identity as someone juggling two different cultures and lifestyles.  

“I want to have a good time,” Vuohelainen said. “And when I come back, be like, ‘Oh, it was a fun year.’”

Captions: Iris Vuohelainen (11) wraps the Finnish flag around her shoulders outside of Ladue High School. She  came to the U.S. Aug. 12 and had to quickly adjust to a new life before school started. “[Ladue] is a good school,” Vuohelainen said. “I’m happy I came here.” Photo by Sarmistha Pulagam. (on page 41)

A young Vuohelainen skis on Levi, a resort in Lapland, Finland, and climbs at Sepänpuisto, a park near her house. Her time in the U.S. made her miss the familiarity of home. “[I] miss my friends and family [in Finland],” Vuohelainen said. “Everyone just clicked.” Photos courtesy of Iris Vuohelainen. (on page 43)