Letter to the family
My name is Athina. I'm 19 years old and come from Espoo, Finland. I graduated in the spring of 2025 and plan to spend the upcoming year as a gap year. I come from a multicultural background — my mother is Finnish and my father is Egyptian. Growing up between two cultures has shaped me into an open-minded, curious, and adaptable person. It has also made me deeply interested in learning about new people, cultures, and ways of life.
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I’ve been involved in many sports, including golf, ballet, tennis, and football — some of which I practiced for over eight years. I’ve also worked for more than two years as a waitress at Hotel Torni in Helsinki and as a substitute teacher in a local school. Working with children sparked my interest in childcare and made me realize how much I enjoy spending time with kids, which is why I want to become an au pair.
In addition to Finnish, I speak English, Swedish, and some Arabic. I studied Swedish for seven years at school and also have Swedish-speaking relatives and friends. I’ve always loved the Swedish language, culture, and people, and I’m very motivated to improve my Swedish skills. Even though I’m not fluent yet, I can communicate and understand well, and I'm eager to keep learning.
By nature, I am kind, responsible, empathetic, and a fast learner. Others often describe me as a good listener who takes others into consideration. My experience working at a hotel has also taught me how to stay calm and efficient in hectic and demanding situations. I love spending time with children and know how to handle both everyday and challenging moments with care and patience.
I want to become an au pair because I’m truly interested in integrating into a Swedish family, learning more about the culture, and becoming more fluent in the language. I also see this as a great way to spend my gap year — not just working, but growing personally and gaining life experience. I hope to become like an older sister to the children, not just a caretaker. I want to support and motivate them, just like the nanny I had as a child, who became a very special part of my life and childhood memories.
You should host me because I am respectful, responsible, and genuinely eager to learn. I value kindness, communication, and consistency — qualities that I believe are essential when caring for children and sharing a home. I’m patient, creative, and know how to stay calm in challenging situations. My multicultural upbringing has taught me to appreciate and adapt to different family traditions, and I always strive to blend in respectfully. I’m also a clean and organized person who enjoys cooking and keeping things tidy. I plan to get my driver’s license before starting my au pair job.
I believe I am well-qualified for this position not only because of my love for children and strong motivation, but also because I am reliable, organized, and genuinely excited about becoming a part of your family. I understand the importance of caring for children with empathy and responsibility, and I’m ready to support your daily routines and be a positive, caring presence in your home.