In this framework, it is no wonder that the problem is not getting solved. I would even argue that this mindset is dangerous, as it could reinforce the problem even. Even with the best intentions. Even with including these internationals to do the work.

Just because we do not understand really what the problem actually is.

Because

I am an entrepreneur. I started my own business orava.co here in Tampere. It is a tough battle and totally worth it! But I have the luck of being in a great community (thank you New Factory) where foreigners and Finns alike give it a shot, share lessons learned, vent our frustrations and share small and big victories.

There is a respect for foreigners, as the language is English.

But it does not matter if you are a foreigner or not.

I am a husband. My wife and I got married 1.5 years ago, right after moving to Tampere. People from Finland asked if it was a typical Belgian wedding. People from Belgium asked if this was a typical Finnish wedding. It was a beautiful day to which I gladly think back to.

But it did not matter that I am from Belgium and my wife from Finland.

I am a capoeirista. Capoeira is a martial art from Brazil and a nice mixture of movement, acrobacy and music. It does mind and body good to break a sweat and free the mind from a working day. Even though the tropical sport is sometimes clashing with freezing temperatures and snow outside, there is a vibrant community here in Tampere.

And it does not matter that I am from Belgium, because this is a Portuguese sport played in Finland.

I am a student. Yes I do take Finnish classes. But I learn every day in other fields too. Building a startup is eye-opening. Being surrounded by bright people, listening to them and learning is what drives me. I read business books, talk with a lot of people and challenge myself to come out of my comfort zone.

And it does not matter in which language that anyone learns.

I am a standup comedian. Or at least I give it a try to make people laugh. Doing standup is definitely one of those things where I had to get out of my comfort zone. O’Connells is a great place for people who always thought “I could do that!” and proof it (or not). Thanks to great people like Trent Pancy, who became a good friend, you can find me on stage once in a while.

And it does not matter whether people laugh in English, Finnish or Russian.

I am a music lover. I love making music (with others or alone) and listening to music. Festivals are my second home. As I am not a metalhead, I am not so much into Finnish music. But heck, I love Icelandic music.

And it does not matter whether Kuningasidea sings in Finnish, Alt-J in English and Gorki in Flemish, it’s all music I love.

I am Tamperelainen. Not that I am born here, but I will definitely recommend everyone to come and live in this beautiful city. Not too big, not too small. Active and cultural, including good vibes and weird traditions.

We moved to Tampere, Finland 1.5 years ago. Because we love the country and we love the city. It was a conscious decision, we live here by choice.

And it does not matter where I am born when I walk through the forests, swim in the lakes or bike through the city.

I am a photographer. The picture above is taking by me (Finnish cliché alert) and I tend to drag a few kilos of lenses around now and then. Finland is a great place to take pictures. We even sometimes go the artsy way and use my grandfather’s WWII camera and then turn our bathroom and sauna into a dark room.

And it does not matter in which language these pictures speak to you.

I am a saunalover. Relaxing in a sauna and taking a dive in the lake (even in wintertime!) is a preferred method of spending the evening or weekend. I came to appreciate sauna and learned to overcome the weirdness of sitting naked and sweaty with a bunch of others in a small room.

And it does not matter where you are from in a sauna, everyone is equal.

I am a creative mind. I am a builder. I make things. I come up with way too many ideas than is good for me. I love a good problem-solving challenge.

And it does not matter in which language I think, as long as the ideas I come up with solve actual problems.

Everyone is different. Diversity is lovely and should be celebrated. Just because I am not born in Finland, does this mean that I need to “compensate” with my international background, my language skills or connections back home. I am much more than that.

I am who I am. Please respect me for being me.