Ilkka Vuonola, who has been living in Finland since 2014, decided to change his name along with his family to better integrate into Finnish society and to improve the prospects for his children. Vuonola, an expert in municipal immigration services and a local politician, stated that having a Finnish name would facilitate easier interactions in both social and professional environments. This decision reflects the realities many immigrants face when seeking to adapt to a new culture and labor market.

Originally from Ukraine, Vuonola's name stems from his father's name, Ilko, which has a Finnish equivalent, Ilkka. In Ukraine, it is common to have a first name paired with a patronymic, which shows heritage. By adopting a Finnish name, Vuonola sought to eliminate potential barriers in his life and work in Finland, illustrating a pragmatic approach to navigating cultural differences. Vuonola emphasized that the good and the bad of having a recognizable Finnish name can significantly affect immigrant experiences in the country.

Now residing in Uusikaupunki, where there are approximately a thousand Ukrainians, Vuonola's work as an immigration service expert began at the start of the year. He and his family have experienced a decade of living in Finland, a journey motivated by the challenging job market and low wages in Ukraine at the time of their move. This story not only highlights an individual's personal journey but also sheds light on broader themes of adaptation and identity within immigrant communities in Finland.