“A series of Untold Stories” – Caroline’s Story 👩🏾⬛🟨🟥

I first encountered Caroline during the KTH scholarship ceremony. To me, there was just something about her. She had this warmth, this undertone of positivity about her, even before we spoke. Our conversation that night surrounded food, funny enough. I remember her saying to me that she loves “soul food,” something that she was yet to find in Sweden, but hoping to make at home.

She was the first person I asked to speak with. Although, apparently, I was the second to ask to interview her😅. I guess I wasn’t the only one to notice that air of positivity! It’s interesting though, I think I found out why people gravitate to her in the way that they do. It came across in an answer she gave to one of my questions! Let’s hear what she had to say 😃:

Who is Caroline?

Caroline is a Civil Engineer from Uganda who loves to create. “I’ve always had a passion to build, to decorate, to form, to make, to improve. That has always been my passion. I grew up always trying to improve things.” An artist by nature, Caroline describes herself as being ‘innocently passionate’ about design, even hosting her own lifestyle channel on YouTube focused on creativity. She is doing her Masters in Energy for Smart Cities at KTH under the EIT InnoEnergy programme, ultimately with the aim of extending her passion for creativity and design into developing the modern, energy-efficient built infrastructure of the future.

Where are you from, what is home like, and what does it mean to you?

Caroline is from eastern Uganda, a small town called Mbale with a mountainous and tropical climate. She grew up in a big household, with seven siblings along with extended family to keep her company. Caroline even has 3 kids of her own. Home to her, simply put, is about family and community. When she’s home, she says “It’s almost everybody’s business to know about you…It’s an accepted essence, and I like it.” The feeling of being remembered, being important and valued to other people is what makes home such a special place for Caroline 🥰.

What has been the hardest part of moving to Sweden?

For Caroline, leaving her family, friends and community was the hardest part of moving to Sweden. The community that she has come to know in Sweden is not the same as at home. Community here she says is defined by diversity – different ethnicities and cultures coming together in a unique shared experience. Though the international student community here can be fast paced, Caroline says that she is eager to understand more about the people around her, believing that she has only scratched the surface of her new international family.

What is your fondest memory of home?

While she didn’t say it outright, I believe one of Caroline’s fondest memories came across in a side conversation we were having just before I left. I asked her how cooking has been going, and if she has been able to find everything she needs to prepare her meals. Her response was interesting to me. She said she has been cooking, but cooking felt different for her lately, not so much because of the food, but because of the company. She spoke about how she was used to sitting and eating with people, and how she cooked not only because she liked the activity, but because she loved cooking for people 🥹. The community, and those close-knit family moments, are I think the fondest memories she has of home. While she spoke to the fact that there were moments where she felt isolated, she believed in giving things their time, a sentiment that surfaced at many points during our conversation.

What is one thing that you wish people knew about you?

Caroline spoke to the fact that she would love to be more integrated. She said that in the fast pace of school and assignments, sometimes she doesn’t feel like she really gets to know the people around her. What she said next is what really struck me though. “I’m very far in age in comparison to my classmates. I would love them to ask me things they wish to know…I would love to engage more.” Caroline says that there are so many experiences that she would love to share, she’s just waiting for people to ask 😊!

Where do you want to guide other’s attention?

Caroline’s vision for connection extends beyond herself. “I would like people to know that there is more that joins us than separates us.” Coming from a community that is very integrated, and very helpful, she believes in the concept of brotherhood. She would like to recreate that experience here, saying, “We can extend as much help to each other, and make this a better experience for everyone.” To her, it’s basic. If someone needs help, we can be there for them. By supporting each other, we can create more opportunities for everyone, and that’s something she wants everyone to understand.

Have you ever been stereotyped? If so, what did that mean for you and how did it make you feel?

Her short answer to this question was yes, but without intention. She described it as feeling “othered,” like there was some separation between herself and the people around her. Her response had to do with definitions to which she was subject. Caroline said that people always first defined her race and ethnicity. “As a black Civil Engineer from Africa…” or “As a black woman in…” prefaced statements about her and she felt as though these were not the things that defined her. “In my country, there is never a focus on defining your skin, your tribe – in any statement.” Moving from the majority into the minority, she realizes that statements like these are not ill-intended, but wants people to know that those characteristics don’t completely define who she is 🤷🏾‍♀️. She hopes for deeper recognition, one that transcends the colour of her skin and country of origin, and focuses on the person she is inside.

Where do you see yourself going in the next few years?

Caroline wants to experience more international spaces, whether that is in the work world, or just in personal time. She believes that there is so much perspective to be gained 🌍. She is considering settling somewhere in Europe with her family, but she cautioned that, again, nothing is set in stone. She wants to experience the full gamut of the European lifestyle, but moving here is a consideration that she will make when the time comes.  

I loved this interview with Caroline! I just love her spirit 🤗. It honestly felt like I was talking to somebody who was so wise, not knowledgeable, but wise. Two things stood out to me:

1. Caroline wants people to engage with her. Engaging with people when you want to know something about them is not easy, but there are so many people who wish that somebody would just take an interest. It’s funny though. When we don’t ask, we assume, and we re-write those single stories that have proven to be so dangerous. It goes to show, the cycle of single stories can be broken with just a question, one to another. You really never know what you will find. 
2. Caroline is so open and accepting of change. “Come out! Explore! See! Make decisions based on seeing and exploring” she says. Caroline believes that too many people are held back for fear of the unknown. She says that there is too much in the world that can frame you, your decisions and your contributions to society, for you to remain in the same place. She is very cognizant of the reality that sometimes being in a new space can be very difficult and jarring, but nevertheless, she gives things the time they deserve. There was an acknowledgement on her part that it’s ok if a new space doesn’t suit you in the end, but you must try, giving it your all, before coming to that conclusion.

Thanks to everyone for reading this week’s installment in “A Series of Untold Stories.” I can’t wait to share what’s coming next week!