Aminata Sylla

“There's something special about being able to connect with someone through a language that's not your own. It's like unlocking a whole new world.”

As a young girl growing up in Senegal, Aminata always had a desire to help others. She pursued her dreams to become a nurse and eventually landed a job at one of the top hospitals in Helsinki. Despite being thousands of miles away from her hometown, Aminata has formed close bonds with her colleagues and patients, often going above and beyond to make sure they feel comfortable and cared for. She enjoys cooking Senegalese dishes in her free time and takes pride in introducing her colleagues to the flavors and customs of her culture.

What's one of the biggest challenges you face as a nurse in Helsinki?

Language barriers can sometimes make it difficult to communicate with patients or other staff members. It's something I've had to learn to overcome, but it can definitely be a challenge.

What's your favorite Senegalese dish to cook?

Definitely thieboudienne, which is a traditional Senegalese dish made with fish and vegetables. It's a bit of a process to make, but it's always worth it in the end.