I grew up mostly in Southeast Asia, specifically in Singapore for my middle and high school years. One of the most interesting things that would happen was the scramble at the beginning of a new school year to integrate the new kids. The American community in Singapore was 90% business related, and most of those jobs were for short periods of time (2-3 years). Literally, 25-33% of the students were new every year.
Kids that grow up in a setting like that talk about how it leaves you restless in your adult life. I sense that in myself. I need change to stay motivated. Recently I moved my office down the hallway, and it helped.
As an adult I have learned that my experience is shared by other Third Culture Kids.
“A third culture kid is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside their parents’ culture. The third culture kid builds relationships to all the cultures, while not having full ownership in any.” – Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds
There is a very interesting website called TCK World. If your experience is similar to mine you might find some good resources. Also, if you are a parent of children who have grown up across the world, you might want to check it out.
When I discuss with friends and colleagues why I like Killeen, it usually boils down to the similarities with how I grew up. Specifically:
- The turnover. People come and go rapidly. I like the prospect that a new friend is just around the corner.
- Diversity. Killeen isn’t a homogenous community of people like me.
- The Asian influence. This is an offshoot of diversity, and my experience is mostly in Southeast Asia, but I like that I can go to several authentic Asian restaurants and that we have an Asian grocery store.
I know the military is different than the way I grew up. But there are similarities. For me, I don’t identify with a specific place. I identify with people who grew up the way I do. I will never feel at home in a place, but I do feel at home when I reconnect with old friends. I’d imagine a military brat would say something similar.
But, I do feel more at home in Killeen than I would in, say, Temple. Killeen can be chaotic and a bit rough around the edges, but I lived in Manila. Would you like to ask me questions about rough around the edges?
Comments
Tiffany Arrington
Does this mean you’re part of the Culture Club? That could be cool…I’m a HUGE Boy George fan! lol
December 18, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Jonathan Packer
Tiffany,
As cool as that would be, no.
December 19, 2011 at 5:09 am
Anonymous
can u please put more similarities about third culture kids because i really need some and i cant find any… thx
February 12, 2012 at 2:50 am
Jonathan Packer
I was going to refer you to the Third Culture Kid website, but it appears they are re-launching. I would certainly give them your email address so they can notify you when they do.
From my mind, are the following similarities:
1) The world we grew up in doesn’t exist. It is almost like I lived in a baggage handling terminal at an airport. This can lead to a difficulty with identity.
2) On the flip side, I can adapt very quickly. New experience don’t frighten me.
3) In fact, I need change to stay motivated.
4) Difficulty identifying with relatives. That is where “3rd culture” comes in.
5) The hardest thing for me, and I spoke to this earlier, is I can never go back to where I grew up. I know all places change, but 14 years later, almost nobody who I knew still lives in Singapore.
If you need anything else, please let me know. Email me at jpacker@gkcc.com
February 13, 2012 at 3:10 pm
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