Akuma grew up in St. Mark’s nursery! She recalls that as an early teen, she wanted to work in the nursery. When an opening for Nursery Attendant became available, her grandmother (St. Mark Member Kristina Tamm-Finnerud) told her about it. Akuma quickly applied, was interviewed and was hired. She has been on the job about 7 months and truly loves “being ‘swarmed’ by the kids” when she arrives at work!
Akuma is a very busy 20-year-old. In addition to her Sunday morning work at St. Mark, she is attending a 3-month Barista training program, and is enrolled in the Automotive Service Technician program at New Market School. After completing that two-year program, her plan is to continue on to South Puget Sound Community College to earn a degree as an Automotive Services Technician.
As a young teen, Akuma attended a two-week Art Camp one summer then worked as an assistant for the following two summers. The Camp Director became one of Akuma’s mentors, remembering her as her “supportive auntie”. This woman gave Akuma her “spark” for life, and her love of art, music, and nature. When her “auntie” passed away, Akuma spoke at her memorial about “her being full of love and life and caring for people”. Akuma says she is trying to walk in her footsteps in these ways.
Akuma’s hobbies are pottery, jewelry-making, leatherwork and clothing design, adding, “I’m interested in anything that allows me to be creative!”
Some of Akuma’s best memories as a child were from the St. Mark Nursery; it was the highlight of her week. When she first came to work, she found her favorite toy was still there, which made her feel a warm welcome back! Akuma says she wants the kids to have similar good memories and is happy to have the opportunity to help them with that.
Akuma’s message to the congregation is, “I want people to know I’m friendly and I don’t bite! I welcome people to come talk to me and am happy for new conversations and acquaintances.”