Meet Kiti

Meet Kiti Nieminen, a 17-year-old student from Tampereen Lyseon lukio in Finland, who is on a journey to explore every corner of knowledge. Though math and English top her list of favourite subjects, Kiti also dabbles in philosophy, psychology, biology, and social studies, reflecting her broad curiosity. Unsure of exactly where her future path will lead, she dreams of an international career—ideally involving mathematics and the chance to travel extensively.

Outside the classroom, Kiti finds her footing on the volleyball court. Having played for about seven years as a middle blocker, she loves both the competitive thrill and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. Her social nature extends to her involvement in a church youth group, where she helps plan camps, performs skits, and hosts engaging activities. Yet, despite her extroverted side, Kiti also relishes her alone time, striking a balance between bonding with friends and nurturing her own space.

Kiti’s love of performance doesn’t stop at the volleyball net or youth group. She thrives when she’s in the spotlight, whether that means presenting, hosting, or improvising with friends. This creative flair ties in perfectly with her wide-ranging interests: Kiti adores everything from computer and board games to dystopian sci-fi films and advanced technology concepts. She’s equally enthusiastic about makeup, with eyeliner and highlighter being her favourite products to add a bit of sparkle to her day. And when it comes to music, she’s open to all genres, embracing everything that resonates with her. A self-professed karaoke fan, Kiti doesn’t let her own singing skills hold her back from having fun.

When she’s not busy studying, playing volleyball, or exploring her creative side, Kiti devotes time to her favourite animals—cats—and has a soft spot for snakes, too. She says her heart belongs to cats above all else, but she remains fascinated by all creatures. As for entertainment, she prefers cartoons over live-action shows, finding endless inspiration in imaginative and futuristic worlds. It’s all part of her quest to remain uniquely herself—an attribute she credits ISLI for nurturing even further.

Indeed, Kiti’s time at ISLI proved invaluable for her confidence and self-expression. Not only did it improve her English skills, but it also encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, shedding any fear of making mistakes. For Kiti, ISLI’s greatest gift was the assurance that everyone can be themselves without fear of judgment. She discovered key lessons in leadership—realising the importance of growth over perfection, and understanding that comparing oneself to others is less productive than comparing oneself to past achievements. Now, she eagerly applies those teachings to her daily life, striving to be a better leader, student, and friend. With her multifaceted interests, fearless approach to learning, and commitment to personal growth, Kiti is ready to embrace whatever new challenges await her—and she does so with optimism, enthusiasm, and a bright sparkle in her eye.

When Birte isn’t busy studying or perfecting her language skills, she immerses herself in music. She plays both the piano and the bass guitar, enjoying how each instrument allows her to express herself in unique ways. Music is a constant in her life, but she also dedicates her time to a youth movement, which she describes as her favorite hobby. The movement has been a source of joy and purpose, offering her the chance to connect with peers, foster leadership skills, and make cherished memories. On top of that, Birte enjoys staying active by playing tennis, which adds balance to her otherwise bustling schedule.

Birte’s interests extend far beyond her hometown. She loves to travel, discovering new places and finding herself in different cultures. Visiting museums, especially art museums, is one of her favorite ways to spend her time abroad. This allows her to deepen her appreciation for history and creativity. This curiosity about the world is complemented by her drive to learn new languages. That is a skill that helps Birte bridge gaps between cultures and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.

Her time at ISLI has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. For Birte, the best part of ISLI was meeting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures. The program reinforced her love for human connection, showing her how differences can bring people closer together when met with curiosity and respect. ISLI also gave her the chance to develop her leadership skills, inspiring her to think critically about social issues and envision solutions that foster collaboration and equity.

As a Senior Regent for ISLI 2025, Birte is excited to guide participants through the same transformative journey that shaped her own perspective. She looks forward to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, and inspired. Whether she’s sharing her favorite Belgian chocolate or diving into deep conversations about history and social change, Birte is sure to leave a lasting and loving impression on everyone she meets.