The Journey of an Adult Third Culture Kid: finding home and belonging
As I sit in my quiet living room, I open WhatsApp, and my heart skips a beat as I see a new post in my old hiking group. Tapping on the image, it expands to reveal a breathtaking scene from the Swiss Alps near Gryon.
In the photograph, my friends are walking through a pristine, snow-covered landscape. The majestic mountains rise behind them, the snow sparkles and covers the tree branches heavily.
I zoom in on the picture, and nostalgia washes over me. I see the smiling faces of my friends, their cheeks pink from the mountain air. Some walk side by side, deep in conversation. Their dogs bound through the snow, tails wag with joy.
As I study the image, I can almost feel the crunch of the snow beneath my boots, the sharing of stories, dreams, and fears as we walked together. The mountains became a sanctuary, a place where I could escape the chaos of the world and find solace in good company.
I yearn to be there with them, to feel the invigorating exertion of the hikes and the warmth of their friendship. But as I sit here, miles away, I realize that even though I may not be with them physically, a part of me will always belong to those majestic peaks and the incredible women who walk among them.
As an Adult Third Culture Kid, I may not have a single place to call home, but in moments like these, I realize that home is not just a location—it's the people and experiences that matter.
As an Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK), I've often found myself grappling with the question, "Where do I belong?" Born to an American mother from Bostonian families and a Swiss mountain guide father, my childhood was a mosaic of different countries and cultures.
From the moment I was born in Chicago in 1970, my life has been a series of moves. I spent time in Ocala, Florida, and Switzerland before moving to Rivières, France, from 1973 to 1975. Monaco was my home from 1975 to 1981, followed by stints in Newport, Rhode Island, North Andover, Massachusetts, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and New York City.
In 1994, I found myself in Germany, only to return to Newport from 1995 to 2002. Switzerland beckoned once more, and I spent the next 17 years there until 2019. After a brief stay in Florida, cut short by Covid, I returned to Newport in 2020. Recently, I’ve been sharing my time in Newport, New York, and Costa Rica.
Throughout this journey, I've often felt a sense of longing and wistfulness when I see my expat friends hiking together in the Swiss Alps. Despite my deep connection to Switzerland through my late father, I never quite felt like I totally belonged in his village.
Similarly, I don't feel a strong sense of belonging in the United States. As an ATCK, I've come to realize that "home" is a complex concept that transcends geographical boundaries. It's not about a specific place but rather the experiences, relationships, and memories that shape us.
Growing up in different countries has given me a wide perspective on life and an appreciation for diversity. It has taught me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of embracing change. While the question of where I truly belong may never have a clear-cut answer, I continue to enjoy the connections I've made along the way.
