With her long black hair and gentle smile, A-B Tech student Kira Boone exudes a quiet grace and unique style all her own. Originally from Uganda, the 18-year-old moved to Asheville last August to attend A-B Tech and has been taking prereq classes with the long-term goal of completing one of the college’s dental programs. The oldest of five children, Boone was adopted by missionary parents at age 3. Having grown up in a tropical climate, in a close-knit town with family and friends close at hand, Boone is still adjusting to her new life in Asheville and says her time at A-B Tech has helped her forge new friendships. She took some time out to share her fascinating story with us.
Q. Could you tell us about where you’re from?
It’s a small town full of expats from different places who want to bring businesses there. English is the first language and there are many British customs. The Nile River runs through it, so it’s called the Pearl of the Nile. People can’t afford vehicles there, so they ride motorcycles that are called pikipiki. Everyone is out and about, not in their homes or cars. They greet you with hugs; they want to go deeper than “How are you?” That can come with a downside as people want to be in your business. (Laughs) We are on the equator. The majority of the year it’s sunny and hot. I swim a lot in pools. There are no short skirts or short dresses. Women dress out of respect for their bodies and modesty is big. Islam is big there, so women wear head covers. Luganda is the second language. English is the most common language. [Note: The country, overall, is multilingual with over 70 languages spoken.]
Q. What do you enjoy about living there?
We have lots of festivals and music with traditional dances. On Independence Day, November 9, we wear the colors black, red and yellow. Ugandan music is similar to Spanish music with its beats.
Q. Your parents are missionaries; could you tell us more about your family?
My parents met at Western Carolina State. My dad is from Asheville and my mom is from Tennessee. They have been in Uganda for twelve years. They went to help with malaria and disease; to hand out mosquito nets. They planted a church of mixed denomination that is hosted in different backyards. It has a communal feel and the core value is whoever you are, you can make your own church. You don’t need a church [building]. The goal is to make everyone feel they can get close to God.
Q. What are some changes you’ve had to adapt to in moving here?
I was home-schooled and went to a small middle and high school- an international private school- that only had fifty people so it was like a big family. I’m here living on my own for the first time away from family and my friends overseas. Adulting is an adventure! ...I had to buy a new wardrobe for here. I’m still not used to the weather. It was sunny the other day, so I wore a dress and then got cold! I’m not used to the AC in summer because we only use fans at night [in Uganda]. It’s mostly in the seventies.
Q. How do you stay connected to your family and country?
I see my grandparents often. They live near here. I talk to my family daily on WhatsApp. I listen to Ugandan music at home. I follow [a woman] on Tik Tok who talks about Uganda and growing up there. I went home for Christmas. Christmas there is more a big meal, no presents under the tree, but music, food, and people coming together.
Q. What made you decide to attend A-B Tech?
My dad went here for a few classes during a school transition… My parents always say to take advantage of opportunities and blessings. I like all the different things A-B Tech offers, a wide variety for a good price. I visited other schools and campuses. I like the way this school stands out for being inclusive. My professors want everyone to feel a part and have a voice in class. It’s nice to feel the teachers care. After the hurricane, they made our schedules easier to navigate and really cared about how we were doing. Some even gave out their personal phone numbers.
Q. What are you enjoying most about your time here so far?
The tutoring center is so helpful. I like to go there with another student in my chemistry class and the tutors come over and help us. I have made tighter relationships because of the hurricane.
Q. What are your plans for the future after you graduate?
I would like to finish school and find a job here [working with a dentist].
Q. What do you enjoy doing when you're not in class?
I like social media and posting content about trips I’ve gone on and scriptures I like. I also love to dress up. It’s a fun way of self-expression. I’m artistic and I love photography and modeling. I force my siblings to pose for me and my family is sick of me asking them to take photos of me!
Q. How would you describe your personal style?
I get ideas [for clothing] on Pinterest and collect pins to different board. I like the business aesthetic, dresses, skirts, pants, suits… Generation Z seems to want to fit in. We all want to be the same. But honestly, the little differences we have are what make us special. I like to wear jewelry from Uganda and I like it when people ask ‘Where is that from?’ People are shocked to find out that I’m from Uganda.
Q. After living in Uganda, Chicago, and Asheville in the States, where do you feel more at home?
I don’t completely fit in either box [the U.S. or Uganda] and there are pros and cons of that. Overall, I think being able to have a multicultural experience makes me. I want to travel my whole life. I want my kids to experience different cultures. It’s impacted how I view the world and given me a multicultural point of view. You can become narrowminded living in once place. There’s such freedom in seeing other ways of life.