Tartu College is a very important place for the Estonian community of Canada. It’s the home of Eesti Elu / Estonian Life newspaper, VEMU Estonian Museum Canada, numerous academic organizations, and is also a place where many university students in Toronto reside.
As Tartu College celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, we wanted to introduce readers to the people who make this place thrive. This time, we’re speaking with Amanda Peirāga, who has been TC’s Financial Manager since April 2024 and Accounting & Administrative Specialist before that. Her role is comprehensive, keeping the incoming and outcoming finances of TC and connected organizations well organized and working with customers.
Read on to get to know Amanda and her story:
(interview with Vincent Teetsov)
To begin, what’s a personal motto that you live by and how does it guide you?
“Do good and good will come to you.” This helps guide the way I live and treat others. I believe that when you do the right thing, like being kind, honest, or helpful, it eventually comes back to you in some way. It reminds me to stay positive, make good choices, and treat people with respect, even if there’s no reward right away or ever.
Who was the most influential person in your life growing up, and what is the most important lesson they taught you?
I don't think there was just one influential person in my life growing up. Both my dad and my grandma had a huge impact on me, and they still do today. I take after my dad in a lot of ways. The way I think, how I approach life, and even the work I do all reflect his influence. He taught me the importance of working hard, standing on my own, and earning the things I want in life. My grandma, on the other hand, taught me about kindness, patience, and forgiveness. She helped me see the best in people, even when their actions didn’t always show it. From her, I learned many of the everyday, nurturing lessons that shaped me into who I am. Together, they gave me a balance of strength and compassion that I carry with me to this day.
What brought you to Tartu College?
I moved to Canada in late September 2023 and was actively looking for work. A few months later, I came across a job posting for Tartu College. I have to admit at first, I thought it was a branch of the University of Tartu here in Toronto! I applied for the Accounting & Administrative Specialist position, had my interview in mid November, and started working just a few days later. From the moment I stepped in for the interview, I felt like I had found a place where I truly belong. The sense of community at Tartu College is something really special, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
What has been the most rewarding project or initiative you’ve worked on in the last few years, and what made it special?
While I haven't had the chance to be deeply involved in larger projects or initiatives over the past two years due to relocating to Canada, I’d say this transition period itself has been a meaningful journey. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and lifestyle has required personal growth, resilience, and reflection in many ways. Working on myself has been the most important initiative recently. Before moving, I was volunteering at a non-profit organization in Latvia that focused on promoting intercultural exchange and community involvement through international programs for young people and adults. I learned firsthand how cultural exchange can expand worldviews and bring communities closer together. Since arriving in Canada, I’ve started getting involved where I can. For instance, I’ve supported events like Estonian Music Week and helped with organizing the Tartu College student meet and greet. Now that I feel more settled, I’m excited to begin contributing more actively to new projects and initiatives in the near future.
Can you share a story that you feel truly captures the spirit and essence of the Tartu College community?
I think the spirit of Tartu College is best captured during the moments when we come together to celebrate life events and milestones. With around forty employees, we experience many personal and professional milestones as a group, whether it’s someone becoming a grandparent or parent for the first time, birthdays, or other important achievements. What makes our community special is that we always take the time to celebrate each other. It creates a strong sense of belonging and support. One recent example that really captured the essence of Tartu College was a surprise baby shower we organized for one of our housekeeping staff members. Everyone came together to show support, bring small gifts, and share a meal. It was a heartwarming and joyful moment that reminded us how much we care for each other beyond just our day-to-day work. People brought homemade dishes and the atmosphere felt more like a family gathering than a workplace event. Moments like these truly reflect the close knit, caring, and supportive community that makes Tartu College feel like home, which is exactly why our slogan is “Tartu—your home away from home.”
Choose one photo that is important to you and tell us the story behind the photo.
One of the most important photos I have is from my and my brother’s very first day of kindergarten back in 2001. It’s not just a photo marking the start of school, it’s the only family photo I have. My mother passed away shortly after it was taken, which makes it incredibly significant to me. We grew up in a small village in Latvia that used to be a kolkhoz during Soviet times. The village was tiny: just three small apartment buildings and a few private homes. It didn’t have its own kindergarten, so we had to travel to a nearby village. On that day, we got all dressed up, visited our grandparents and great-grandparents who lived nearby, and took a few pictures with them. It was also the only day our parents were able to take us to kindergarten by car. After that, we took the school bus every day on our own. This photo holds so much history and emotion it reminds me of family, of early beginnings, of resilience, and of the importance of remembering where you come from, no matter how far you go.
As Tartu College celebrates 55 years, what are your hopes for its next chapter and the legacy it will continue to build?
I sincerely hope it continues its important work supporting the Estonian community here in Canada. The welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that the college has created is truly special, and I look forward to seeing even more events and festivals that bring people together. So far, I believe we are on the right path, and I’m excited to be part of what the future holds.
Please choose one person from Tartu College (staff or resident) that should be featured next and tell us briefly why.
I would like to nominate Kyla, Tartu College’s Housing and Event Manager. She is truly the mastermind behind everything related to student life from housing logistics to student events. Her dedication, creativity, and ability to juggle so many moving parts are a big part of what keeps the student experience at Tartu College running smoothly and feeling special. Featuring Kyla would be a great way to highlight the behind the scenes work that makes Tartu such a welcoming and well-organized place.
