Life and studying are a continuous growth process
“The lead teacher is retiring in the spring, and we’ve agreed that I will finish my degree before that,” Juska laughs. “During my current studies, I’ve written a book, and our family has welcomed a long-awaited child, which has, of course, reshuffled my life priorities and ensures there’s always plenty going on at home. I’ve also had to learn to be kinder to myself; as a perfectionist student, it’s been challenging to accept that my grades may not match those from my previous studies,” Juska continues.
Previously, Juska studied at Xamk’s predecessors, Kyamk and Mamk, earning degrees in Media and Community Education. “Even during my Media studies, I was already an adult in my thirties, but I fit in well, and those years flew by. All my degrees at Xamk have guided my life in some way, providing structure at different times and supporting my work, just as my work has supported my studies.”
Juska completed his Community Education studies as the part-time studies at the Mikkeli campus and feels that his previous Media studies were beneficial during that time. He has been able to apply the knowledge from both degrees in his cultural youth work. Currently, Juska works in Kouvola as the Development and Marketing Manager for Nuorten Väylä, having previously spent years in youth work and then over a year as a supervisor in child protection. (Nuorten Väylä is a Kymenlaakso-based company that provides high-quality child protection services. Nuorten Väylä offers foster care services.)
“In my current job, I’m responsible for the website, social media, branding, and the overall development of operations. I handle recruitment processes and develop the field through various projects. Nuorten Väylä is also involved in Xamk projects, such as the Vaasi project (a development project for demanding foster care). So, the collaboration with Xamk has continued and will continue. I’ve also lectured about my career path to Community Education students and shared my professional growth at the final event of an Xamk project. Additionally, I’ve utilized Xamk’s studio in Kouvola for filming music videos.”
“Sometimes, people at the student cafeteria are surprised when I occasionally show up for lunch with my student card—they even asked if I still have a student card,” Juska laughs, adding that he has been studying for over a decade.
In addition to work, studies, and family life, Juska has also become an author; his debut book, Valon Varjossa – miten minusta tuli HIMin kosketinsoittaja ja mitä tapahtui sitten (In the Shadow of Light (Valo in Finnish) – How I Became the Keyboardist for HIM and What Happened Next was published in April 2024.
“In the book, I tell my story of how a fan became the band’s keyboardist, what happened during the peak years of fame, and how I’ve coped with mental health issues that I’ve struggled with for several years. The goal was to write a good book that draws readers in from the start and encourages them to read to the end. The latter part of the book aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and give a face to the survival story. The main message is that overcoming difficulties leads to victory; life, including studying, is a continuous growth process.”
Juska had just completed his thesis when the owners of Nuorten Väylä suggested a change in his job description. “I don’t think there’s a direct measure of success, but I feel happier than ever. Playing and performing for hundreds of thousands was amazing, but the most important thing is to be with my wife and child. I feel internally that my career in youth work has been a success story through growth. I’m proud that a job description was tailored for me, which presumably doesn’t exist in our size of companies in child protection.”
“As the son of two teachers, I never imagined I would be in the education field myself, but here I am, and after ten years in youth work, I could already call myself an expert.”
Alongside his work, Juska has also done lecturing, sharing his story with youth, sports teams, mental health organizations, and politicians. “I’m satisfied with my work, but in the future, I hope to do more lecturing and share my story. I hope the book opens new opportunities. HIM serves as a great entry point in the story and might engage young people better, as public interest fascinates them. My work at Nuorten Väylä and lecturing do not exclude each other; rather, they support one another. If I can ignite the spark in even one young person, I can call the workday a success; these results aren’t measured in money.”
“I’ve also lectured to KooKoo teams (local ice hockey team) about performance pressure; for a big fan of the team, it was a striking moment”
In addition to his higher degree, Juska is currently studying for a vocational qualification in business at Business College Helsinki. “In my studies, I represent Nuorten Väylä in developing the organization, but as I’ve noticed before, studying doesn’t have to be confined to strict frameworks; its benefits can be integrated into one’s life in various ways. (Before, I felt like marketing was almost selling myself; now I realize that my story is a product.)”
Tips for Students
Juska offers advice to students:
“Keep a certain focus on what you’re aiming for. The world is open, and you should explore, but focus and aiming help maintain the big picture.”
“In Finland, there’s always an opportunity for education. I’m an example that studies can support life continuously. Of course, you don’t always have to study, but it’s good to be aware that our society provides that opportunity.”
“In the youth and child care field, we are on the ‘good side’ and work for people, not numbers; keep that in mind, and remember to meet people as individuals.”
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