Silja Tuominen, an 18-year-old from Kouvola, Finland, moved to Helsinki in pursuit of the city's vibrant lifestyle, enticed by social media representations and the allure of new opportunities. Driven by the urge to escape what she perceived as the limitations of her hometown, she relocated to trendy neighborhoods within the city, determined never to return. However, as she began her studies remotely due to the pandemic, she found it challenging to make new friends, leading her to question whether her idealized view of Helsinki was too fantastical.

The transition proved difficult for Tuominen, as the promise of meeting 'cool people' and enjoying the city's offerings was overshadowed by loneliness and isolation. Initially thriving in the buzz of areas like Kallio, she soon faced the reality of adapting to a new environment where building connections was not as straightforward as she had hoped. This stark contrast to her expectations prompted her to reflect on her motivations for moving and whether she had rushed into this significant life change without thorough consideration.

Ultimately, Tuominen's journey represents the broader theme of young individuals seeking independence in urban settings and the sometimes overwhelming challenges they face in their quest for belonging. Her experience serves as a candid reminder of the complexities involved in leaving behind familiar comforts for the promise of city life, particularly in the wake of unprecedented events like the COVID-19 pandemic that altered social dynamics significantly.