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.