Antti is one of those people whose story encapsulates what Aurala can offer at its best: new opportunities, the courage to experiment and discover one's own strengths.
You work at Iltaolkkari, but how did you end up there?
It all started with a CV workshop that Hanne and Laura (Aurala's OOO project) came to hold for Kajar's group. It was nice and interesting, even though I didn't need the CV for anything. I had to think about different ways of expressing things. So you can't just write "I'm hardworking, energetic and conscientious" but you have to open it up and tell it differently, what it means in practice. Thinking about it was really useful for my own self-esteem. I also had a few personal meetings with Hanne, where we discussed the future - possible jobs and studies. I was thinking about continuing with high school, because I had been there and it was familiar. On the other hand, I was thinking a little bit all the time about whether there was something else.
I also got the chance to try out the courses at Aurala Community College, and because I like to move, I got excited about yoga. I went to try it out, but it wasn't for me. When I read the Aurala magazine in Kajari, I next got excited about the Basics of Drawing course. When I heard about the opportunity to participate in the course with a study scholarship, I got even more excited. I applied for the scholarship and got it.
Where did the idea for drawing come from, for example, did you like illustrations at school?
I don't even remember those classes. I remember at home, when there were Arabia flower plates on the kitchen wall, and I practiced drawing by copying them. In middle school, hip-hop culture, rap music and graffiti took me away. We practiced making graffiti, pictures and techniques in a group. You develop better when you work together and get support and advice from others.
So drawing is probably also related to being together and doing things?
Yes, that's right. Drawing requires a specific time, place, and group for me to do it – unlike exercise, which can be easily done without any particular plan.
What was the best and most difficult thing about the drawing course?
Drawing a nude model was difficult. I had to let go of self-criticism when there was so little time. So that was the point of it, I had to just let it go. The best part was getting new perspectives on drawing. Before, the drawings were lines and now they are lights and shadows.
What about evening gowns? How did you end up there?
When I first heard about the evening clubs, I thought it would be nice to go and watch them. It seemed to be a non-drug and healthy program. But for some reason I never got around to going. I went to a rehabilitation work program at the time and it was also quite good to be there, but most of the time I was alone doing some woodwork.
Then in Kajari I was offered a job trial at the evening club and I thought I would definitely go and have a look. Oh my, the reception was amazing, sunny. Everyone was so nice. Here at Aurala there is something… something like that, I don't even know what it is, but everything here is like that. Aurala is a good place to develop!
Loneliness is the most uncomfortable feeling I've ever had. Money doesn't help with that, no matter how hard you work and have friends. It's exciting when there are people around you, but then you suddenly realize that you're alone and just do those days from morning to night.
At Iltaolkkari I have found my sociability, which is amazing, as I have always thought I was more of a loner. It's nice there, when you can chat with people or, on the other hand, you can not chat and just be. Or participate by doing something.
How to proceed from here?
Now I have a 10-month paid job at Aurala's evening clubs. If I'm still interested in guidance after that, I'll apply to study something like that. I've also been thinking about training as an expert in experience. I want to be of use to others, having experienced and survived all kinds of things myself. However, you have to be careful not to get carried away. The community around you is important in order to stay drug-free.
And which Aurala course could be next?
Well, someone at the evening club suggested an improv course for me, but that would be absolutely awful. On the other hand, it would definitely feel great to have gone through one. I would also like to know how to play the guitar and I've tried it for a couple of hours, but it just didn't work out. Then it's hard to stay motivated.
The best thing would be to continue drawing. You have to rely on your own strengths, which gives you the opportunity to develop and achieve success!
Are you interested in evening dresses? Find out more at aurala.fi/aikuiset/iltaolkkari or contact: Päivi / 050 316 7704 or paivi.suominen@aurala.fi
Antt was interviewed by Kati Vallenius. The story was first published in Aurala magazine in August 2025.
