Brice Royer

First, it's important to realize that "being a TCK" is an incorrect assumption. TCK is not an identity. It's an experience. That being said, growing up internationally has impacted my life in several ways.

I believe it helped me become more open-minded and compassionate. I'm attracted to people who are different and don't fit in anywhere. And I realize that ”my way” of doing things isn’t necessarily the only way. It’s never a black and white situation. I like to think that your perspective isn't right or wrong. It's just different. I'm open to seek different perspectives.

Not belonging anywhere actually caused a physical illness for two years for me. It has nothing to do with being a Third Culture Kid-- but it has to do with not belonging. I couldn't use my hands without feeling pain. The doctors told me I would die and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. After some probing, I found out that I was grieving — grieving because I had no sense of belonging. I was alone, misunderstood and couldn’t relate to people. Researchers recently found that loneliness is a greater risk for mortality than smoking cigarettes.

But I’m so happy I had this challenge. I can now understand millions of people who went through the pain of loneliness. I’m not perfect but I think it helped me become more compassionate and open-minded.

Since then I’ve learned how to pick myself up, connect with those who are like me, and made a promise to devote my life to help others.

Growing up as Third Culture Kid became a blessing because I’m now sensitive to people who don’t fit in. I’m able to see different perspectives and accept people regardless of their culture, race, age or physical ability.