Hey! I’m Sara, an 18-year-old from Tallinn, Estonia. I just finished high school last spring and I’m currently in my “gap year”, trying to figure out what’s next. I live with my mom and my younger brother, and our home is this cozy mix of Estonian and Russian – mom’s fully Estonian, dad’s Russian (they split up when I was little), so I grew up speaking both languages perfectly, plus English, which feels like my third native tongue. I love that about my home – it feels like a little cultural crossroads. I’ve been dancing folk dances since I was seven – first in school, then in a proper ensemble. All those intricate steps and colorful national costumes are my connection to my Estonian roots. But my secret passion is digital illustration. I spend hours on my tablet, drawing whimsical forest spirits and modern, minimalist portraits. I dream of maybe combining art and technology in my studies, but I’m not rushing.
The “Fifth Season” in Estonia: That weird, magical time in early spring when the snow has melted, but everything is still brown and grey, and the air is crisp. It feels full of quiet potential. Perfect for long, thoughtful walks in Kadriorg Park.
The coziness of my room: Rainy evenings with a huge cup of tea, fairy lights on, my favorite indie-folk playlist on Spotify
small talk and fake positivity: When people ask “How are you?” but don’t actually want to hear a real answer. Let’s just be genuine, even if it’s a bit awkward sometimes.
The pressure to have your whole life figured out: “So, what are you studying? What’s your plan?” Ugh. I’m 18, let me live and discover things at my own pace!