When I first moved to Bangkok, Thailand, I had an amazing teacher – Mr. Westgate. He was a positive influence who provided me with the insight and acceptance to be confident and proud of who I am - a third culture kid (TCK).
In Bangkok I was privileged to attend an International School where there were students from 62 different countries. For the first time, I felt like I “fit” in and realized that I was different and that it was okay to be different in a number of ways: skin color, accent, language, nationality and experience. Mr. Westgate was instrumental in making me and other students proud of the fact we were different.
The one question that many TCKs find difficult to answer and sometimes dread being asked is “Where are you from?” Most of the time, the answer to that question is a long one. I start answering the question by explaining that I am first a Canadian and from a place that celebrates multiculturalism. My family heritage is Indian, Portuguese, Irish, Scottish, Italian, French Canadian with some other ethnicities mixed in. I was born in Calgary, where I spoke French and then we moved to Bangkok, Thailand where I spent many of my formative years. This provides me with several different “Faces”: Indian, Italian, French and Portuguese.
In Bangkok I was privileged to attend an International School where there were students from 62 different countries. For the first time, I felt like I “fit” in and realized that I was different and that it was okay to be different in a number of ways: skin color, accent, language, nationality and experience. Mr. Westgate was instrumental in making me and other students proud of the fact we were different.
The one question that many TCKs find difficult to answer and sometimes dread being asked is “Where are you from?” Most of the time, the answer to that question is a long one. I start answering the question by explaining that I am first a Canadian and from a place that celebrates multiculturalism. My family heritage is Indian, Portuguese, Irish, Scottish, Italian, French Canadian with some other ethnicities mixed in. I was born in Calgary, where I spoke French and then we moved to Bangkok, Thailand where I spent many of my formative years. This provides me with several different “Faces”: Indian, Italian, French and Portuguese.
Each culture that I have experienced has provided me with values, perspectives, and tools that have allowed me to be the person I am today. At times, I wonder what my perspective of the world would be, if I never had the incredible opportunity to live in Bangkok and Hawaii. I have also been fortunate to travel to places around the world that I might have never dreamed of at one time.
I have yet to meet someone with the same background as me. The most similar a person I have met was from the international school I attended – two boys that are Canadian citizens, from Indian parents.
I feel that I am a citizen of the world. I want to continue to experience different cultures, understand different religions, appreciate diverse food and hear languages from all around the world. Where ever I am in the world, I want to become a part of that culture and discover the reality of the place where I am.
I have yet to meet someone with the same background as me. The most similar a person I have met was from the international school I attended – two boys that are Canadian citizens, from Indian parents.
I feel that I am a citizen of the world. I want to continue to experience different cultures, understand different religions, appreciate diverse food and hear languages from all around the world. Where ever I am in the world, I want to become a part of that culture and discover the reality of the place where I am.
As I am getting ready to take another part of journey, I look at my passport, which does not define who I am, but does help to tell my story!
I am interested in hearing others stories. Are you a TCK? Please share your story with me. I would love to hear about your heritage, background and how you view your place in the world.
Best,
MJ
Best,
MJ
