The Pros And Cons Of A Third Culture Kid

Embracing Diversity
BY SAGANG CHUNG

“Where are you from?” can be a simple question to answer. But for a Third Culture Kid (TCK)- someone who has spent a significant part of his or her development years outside the parents’ culture, it can be a daunting question. TCK frequently build relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership of any. “I feel like every time someone asks me where I’m from, I’m obligated to hide all the places I used to live in, firstly because it takes so long to explain and secondly, especially in Japan, I feel that not many people have been abroad and so I don’t feel the need to flaunt my background”, said Selina Welsh, 22, a senior at Keio University who was born and raised in London for eight years, then moved to Singapore for four years, and after that lived in Chicago for three years. “I also would like to consider myself English and Japanese, but a part of me isn’t sure because I haven’t lived in England since I was eight, and I feel distant from the country, whereas I’ve only lived in Japan for five years. Maybe having

Instead they may be able to live in an environment where they can embrace the idea that being diverse is a good thing. “I honestly don’t really know whether I’ve formed my own cultural identity or not”, said Ms. Shinohara, smiling. I feel like it’s more of my identity as a person that has been formed and I’ve realized that having a particular place you can call home or knowing where you are from doesn’t really determine whom you are. I don’t think I’d be the same person if I wasn’t brought up as a TCK and it is probably 100% true that your cultural experience affects your identity