"My name is Solome and I’m originally from Uganda. I came to Leeds in 2005 to study and have lived in Harehills ever since.
I had never travelled before, so my first time travelling was from Uganda to the UK. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t know how anything worked, and I travelled alone, which made it even tougher. So, it was hectic, it was hard, it was tough. Many things are different here. I’d never seen high-rise buildings before, and living in one was a big adjustment. The food was different too, and I had to search for African food in small shops and supermarkets in Harehills. When I saw the prices, I would convert them to Ugandan money and think, "That’s expensive, no?" It was a really, really, really big culture shock.
When you’re young and starting uni, you want to know everything. You’re so curious about everything. I wanted to know how other people live. I came here to learn with an open mind. However, some things weren’t easy. Mine is a hidden disability, and you can’t just look at me and know that I have a problem. So, some people assume I’m lying about needing a blue badge, and I find their comments quite hurtful. I don’t know if people expect me to go door to door telling them I have sickle cell disease. It’s up to me to tell who I want.
But I also have found kindness. People have welcomed me, people love me, and that’s one of the reasons why I love the area I live in. My neighbours always ask me, “Hey Solome, how are you doing, how’s your health?” Everyone wants to know what’s going on. Most people are loving. People are ready to help you. When it was Covid, many people knew I couldn’t come out of the house. My neighbours offered to get shopping for me and left it by my door. It made my heart smile and know I am not alone.
It's not going to be rosy 24/7. You’ll always find some hiccups. But I find with my hiccups, I always sit down and reflect. And then you carry on. You don’t take it so personally. That’s how I’ve managed. Those who love me, love me. And that’s what matters to me."
