Resources

There is an overload of resources about TCK's on the internet. It is sometimes hard to find what we are looking for. Here are just three helpful ones that I enjoy reading. The first one is specifically for parents who are trying to understand their TCK's and the second one is a website with many stories and encouraging videos. The third one is an online magazine for Third Culture Kids.



Here is a link written by a parent of TCK's. It is very touching and powerful. I hope it encourages TCK's to remember who they truly are and also supports parents with a little more insight on their children.

* Rachel Pieh Jones

Here is another TCK website that is a great resource and encouragement. There are many links on the website to testimonies and real life experiences from interviews with TCK's.

*Sheryl O'Bryan

Here is a link to an online magazine for Third Culture Kids. It is extremely informational and a great tool in times of need.


*Denizen Magazine

Transition

 Here is a video expressing many TCK's opinions about their lifestyle:

 

I enjoy this video a lot because it clearly explains the various thought processes and feelings of a typical TCK. I titled my blog Outside the Box because that is a realistic picture of life for a TCK. We are complex, we are different, we are united, and we live outside the ordinary.  Even though I agree with most of the information presented in the video, I believe that it is up to each individual TCK to make the effort and have the right attitude to get through transition and change.
Personally, I believe that without a positive outlook on how grateful and blessed we truly are, life can get very overwhelming. Our sense of belonging does not need to be found in the world, in a place, or the daunting question of Where are you From? The constant eagerness to be on the move, to not get too far in a relationship because of the fear of having to say goodbye again, or the sense of confusion and chaos will always be a part of me, but it does not need to define me. I am set free in a loving God. I belong to Him. My sense of belonging can be found in Him alone. The greatest challenge for me being here in America for college is the challenge of staying. I constantly wrestle with the idea of being in one place. I have realized that my challenge is to stay. It is an exciting challenge to have to get through, because I am never alone on this journey. Remember, that you are never alone either. 

Here is my short and simple version of a guide to help with the transitioning process in a new culture:

1. It's not easy. Accept the fact that it won't be a breeze. Accept the fact that you will face moments of complete confusion and be overwhelmed. Accept the fact, however, that you are NEVER alone. 

2. You are not alone. Remind yourself everyday that people across the world are thinking of you. Remind yourself everyday that you will never walk alone. There are so many other TCK's to support you. And you have a God who is ALWAYS by your side. 

3. Just be YOU. It is important to remember to be YOU, no matter what culture you enter or exit. You are more blessed than you realize to have experienced so many cultures. Use your experience to bless others! 

4. Never be intimidated or scared to ask questions. TCK's are either always asking the questions or never asking them. Don't be anxious if you think your naive question is not worth asking- you will surprise yourself when you find out how many people really do want to help you. Don't feel embarrassed either by always being the one with the question. 

5. Enjoy the memories of the past but learn to LET GO. TCK's have a "major challenge with unresolved grief" from their pasts. Learn to forgive and forget. Learn to loosen up and enjoy memories but not hang onto them. Learn to LIVE. 

6. LOVE! Remember to love. In everything you do: Love others. Love, love, and love. 

My life in three cultures

Where are you from?

I have never been able to understand this question, because I have difficulty answering it. I can't say I'm from three places, can I? Is that allowed? I can't say I'm from nowhere either, that sounds ridiculous. So, where am I from?
Why do others around me seem to have a place they call 'home' and why is it easy for them to say where they are from, where their hometown is? I am blessed to live a life of three cultures and have the opportunity to experience three worlds. I hope to help those of you that are in need of encouragement and advice, dealing with being a TCK, understanding one, being a parent

or friend of one, or even just being an international student at college trying to fit in.

Join me, in reading my research and adventures!

Here is a poem I wrote, utilizing the Where I'm From poem format to help you understand a little about me:

I am from newsletters, from the BBC and home-made apple-gooseberry pies.
I am from books on the growth of the Church, from the world of "Sumi, You can do this!"
and the smells of spicy chicken curry from the kitchen.
I am from "liggen goed's" and "apnar nam ki?" and the loud laughter of my friends.
I'm from yelling at the taxi drivers to slow down, and from the vibrant friendliness of strangers.
I am from Bougainvillea, bright and pink, and plant pots surrounding the back cemented porch.
I am from board games, and Skaneateles Lake, from cousin Charlie and Oma and Uncle Jack.

I am from a world of intellectuals and talent, a world of travelers and busy workers.
I am from episodes of Full House watching and days of Sachin Tendulkar.
I am from Kaccha mango sweets, from 5:15 buses, Wimbledon Tennis and prayer times with the family.
I am from worship sheets, Bibles, and the sounds of traffic all night long buzzing me to sleep.
I am from the chaos of the marketplace to the quiet of my room, from the world
of goodbyes and excitement for what's to come.
I'm from the colors of sarees, from barefooted rickshaw drivers and from magic masala
chips on my tongue.

I am from Hebron, from church services in a hotel room and the chanting of Bengali hymns.
I am from singing "Jingle Bells" in a strong Indian accent, from fruit cake and chai and marie biscuits.
I am from Christmas at the King's, Plato's Closet and Jitters mocha coffee with whip cream.
I'm from encouragement, independence and love, from intense conversations to Mr. Pingu songs.
I am from dorm fellowship, ramen noodles and the smell of cheese toast down the hallway.
I'm from soccer games and basketball tournaments, and from the excitement of competition.
I'm from parent weeks, short and busy, from Brooklands and Tiger's Hill and the fields of Taldi.
I am from OPE's, late night discussions and "what time do you wanna eat?".
I am from planes, airports and train stations, from flower festivals and the waves of Thailand.
I am from belonging in Christ and His plans for my life. I am from three cultures. I am from outside the box, restless and striving to be me.

What is a Third Culture Kid? Who are TCK's?

A Third Culture Kid as defined by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken, authors of Third Culture Kids: Growing up among worlds is "a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parent's culture. The TCK frequently builds relationships to all cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture may be assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background."
Traditional TCK's are "foreign service kids, corporate kids, military kids, and missionary kids (MK's)."
Instead of being the observer and learner of various cultures, a TCK gets the opportunity to live in each culture and experience it first-hand.

My life as a TCK

India- doing laundry on the street

1. I am Indian-American-Dutch- I grew up in India but frequently visited Holland and America. I am an adopted Indian. My dad is American and my mom is Dutch. I did elementary school in North India and then finished school in the South of India. I am currently in college in New York State.I currently live over 7000 miles away from home. India, Holland, and America are all incredibly different and each of them has a unique sense of belonging for me. Just from these few pictures, one can see the difference in cultures. Being a TCK, I have learned to live independently and am learning to make the most of life wherever place that may be.

Holland- apartment buildings close together

2. I went to boarding school- I really enjoyed middle school and high school. My experiences are memories for a life time and the friends I have made are life-long friends. I can proudly say that I can travel to most parts of the world and have a free, comfortable place to stay for holidays. Being a TCK has helped me build connections with people across the world. I have learned to live with multi-cultural students and with more than 7 girls in one room at the age of 12. And if you were wondering, yes, it was chaos most of the time.

America- Chicago tourist attraction, The Bean

3. I love airports- I have traveled so much that airports have become like a second home to me. I love observing the many people that walk by and the families that try to keep their kids under control. Airports are a comfortable place where I can be myself.
I grew up traveling the world. My favorite place to travel with the family has been Koh-Samui in Thailand, where we all went for a holiday. Being a TCK has impacted my view of the world as I have lived in different cultures. I feel comfortable in any airport. The sudden urge to travel and be in a plane is a monthly occurrence.