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Familiar faces, new places: how to stay connected with the Estonian community

Have you ever wondered what your friends in the Toronto-Estonian community have been up to since childhood? Wonder no longer! Watch Eesti Elu's ongoing video interview series "Where are they now: Community Unwrapped" to discover all the exciting adventures and paths your fellow Estonians have embarked on, available only on our website, eestielu.ca.

Growing up in the Estonian community and participating in activities facilitates life-long friendships. Incredible bonds are formed after spending nearly every Tuesday night with them at Estonian school, Saturday afternoon at Girl Guides or Scouts, or summer at camp. The Estonian community is one you can always rely on, and the value of these kinds of relationships is truly indescribable.

Sometimes, we may take these relationships for granted, assuming they'll always be there. Unlike in childhood, where friendships sprung up naturally through proximity and shared activities, maintaining them into adulthood requires intention. As we grow older, busier, and embark on diverse paths, it may seem challenging to nourish and tend to these relationships. But it doesn't have to be.

That is where Community Unwrapped comes into play. Maybe an old classmate you've lost touch with moved to Estonia, and you're interested in what that process has been like. Or perhaps an old camp friend landed an exciting new job you've seen them post about on Facebook. Whatever the case may be, Community Unwrapped is your way of reconnecting with the community. Through casual, candid conversation, guests reflect on their lives growing up in the community and what they've been up to since then: new careers, passion projects, hobbies, accomplishments, travels, and more. Designed to be inviting, these videos allow the conversation to flow naturally, giving guests the space to open up in a comfortable, informal way, just as if you were catching up with an old friend over coffee.

Not only are you learning about what your old friends are up to, but you’re also learning more about the world! Stay up-to-date with Community Unwrapped and build a “Rolodex” of talent for future reference.

The series features a broad range of talents: from corporate lawyers to wildlife biologists, each segment offers a unique perspective and insight into a path you may or may not be knowledgeable in. Not only are you learning about what your old friends are up to, but you’re also learning more about the world! Stay up-to-date with Community Unwrapped and build a “Rolodex” of talent for future reference. Are you looking for tips to get into event photography? Reach out to previous guest and professional event photographer, Tory Hutchings! Are you curious about the kind of day-to-day work that lawyers do? Reach out to capital markets associate, Kiira Käärid! Community Unwrapped is your resource for staying connected and informed. It's a win-win!

Above all, Community Unwrapped is a celebration of you. Share your hard work and accomplishments with the community by reaching out to Natalie at natalie@eestielu.ca to arrange a fun, easy-going interview at a time and place that works best for you. Alternatively, if you know anyone who might be interested in being featured, reach out in the same way. Be sure to tune into previous episodes on our website or YouTube channel. Watch Community Unwrapped and reconnect with your community today! Don't forget to share this opportunity with your friends and encourage them to participate as well. The more, the merrier!

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