Originally from Stockholm, Stefan has lived in the Swedish capital his entire life and although growing up he was unable to picture what he would be doing in the future, one thing was sure, and that was that he’d live here. His younger brother Nils also lives in the city, working as a chef, previously at a 3 star Michelin restaurant, so there is no doubt he comes home to astounding meals during the holidays.
From a young age he’s always looked up to Žydrūnas Savickas. During our interview he was extremely passionate about the Lithuanian power-man or powerlifter and was able to list a multitude of personal bests, achievements, world records, “He’s like the only guy to ever win world’s strongest man four times, Europe’s strongest man, and Arnold Strongman Classic eight times, no-ones ever done that since. That’s crazy broski!”
As previously mentioned, he questioned what his future career would be his entire childhood, though he looked up to certain athletes, it was not what he wanted to pursue a career in. Not knowing what he wanted to study either, he stepped into the terrifying adult world with nothing but a positive mindset to keep him going, telling himself that his future would naturally fall into place. Now his job as receptionist and security guard at SIS is a pillar of his life and Stefan is unable to imagine his life without it!
His days begin before dawn; in the morning Stefan is already up and awake being productive by lifting weights and training; but as he said, he keeps “it for real, for real”. He enjoys listening to rock or heavy metal and always finds himself drawn back to ‘Kobayashi Maru’ by the Swedish band Grayscale season. Once again, Stefan’s nonchalant attitude or lifestyle is reflected in his musical preferences when he says that he describes his unconcern and will always listen to whatever suits the mood.
He said his favorite part of his job is, “You guys”. From the way he wears a permanent smile we can tell he is speaking the truth. It is impossible to claim that Stefan is anything other than a kind-hearted man who is exceptional at his job. His personality comes with a youthful demeanour in the best way possible. Keeping up with the Gen Z terminology, he can converse with students using their own language, always making sure interactions remain lighthearted and entertaining. Only ever radiating openness and kindness, he creates a safe space where students are able to have a real conversation with an adult about things other than school work, this allows them to forget their academic stress for short periods of time. Because that sure is what it feels like, Stefan not only knows the name of every student at the school, he is also aware of all the inside information about everyone; like a fly on the wall, he is certainly a crucial element to the school community.
Prior to starting his job at SIS, because “[he] is so good with people” – we wholeheartedly agree with his statement – Stefan has worked at some of Stockholm’s most renowned places a security guard could, including NK, Sturegallerian, Aftonbladet, and The Finance Inspection. Yet even with all that experience, he claims that it is the most unusual receptionist job he’s ever had as a security guard. He tells us that he in fact is just a security guard, and cannot fully explain what led him here. “This just happened”, he affirms.
Hidden behind his seriously unfunny jokes and his serious stance…Stefan has a kind soul who aims to leave an impactful legacy at SIS. He hopes that students can live by the motto of not taking things too seriously and not to stress too much over the things that life throws at you. Stefan doesn’t believe it’s worth it. “Whatever happens happens” is another saying which he goes by; the future is not something which our school’s receptionist is afraid of or dreads, instead he lives in the moment and hopes we do too! Not only does he keep his eyes on the door at all times in order to keep us safe, but to get to know us better too. He is aware of everyone’s schedules and senses when something feels different, he truly has eyes at the back of his head. Stefan likes to make students talk and “wake us up” with a playful joke in the morning. Based on personal experience, it’s extremely entertaining and will always make our days significantly better!
As of now living to 90 is one of his main goals however there is an unusual reason behind his ambitions. The PlayStation 10. He hopes to see how technology evolves and the new games he will be able to play. “I don’t really have a mindset, it’s fun to be here. I mean it happens by itself.”
So as Stefan preaches “it is what it is”, to live in the moment, and enjoy your middle/high school years, he doesn’t forget to remind us that no student should ever hesitate to come and say “hi” to him if you want to talk!
