Teen transience

MANILA, Philippines - Imagine. Boxes everywhere, petite boxes, life-size boxes, and everything else in between, all in the living room inhabiting every single inch of my already small, bijou apartment. “Here we go again,” I thought to myself. It’s summer; the sun’s out and as lustrous as ever, children running playfully outside, cheerful, and merry. The burden of having coursework, exams, and finals ceases to exist. The liberation from infinite hours of classes, and the struggle to stir myself to wake up at 6:30 in the morning, it’s all gone — complete and utter freedom. Yet, why am I not taking advantage of this absence in educational authority? The thought of moving not only houses, but also countries devastated me yet again; it was almost seemingly routine after having done it so many times. The struggles of making a new set of friends, dealing with new rigorous courses and their counterpart horrendous professors comes and slaps me across the face.

Has it ever occurred to you that a Third Culture Kid experiences these circumstances constantly? To put things into perspective, a Third Culture Kid is basically a “global nomad,” one who constantly moves from one country to another as a child or an adult, giving them no permanent residence. These people have spent a majority of their years growing up in a non-native country.

Global citizen: Joining the American Football Team of Singapore American School (fourth from right).

Subsequently, growing up in a foreign land may give them the feeling of not belonging to their “home” as labeled in their passport. Although it may seem as if a Third Culture Kid’s position is a miserable one to be in — it’s not at all. Transient people experience a wide variety of cultures that a normal person does not. They demolish the limits of unbalanced perspectives, and open a gateway to many learning opportunities. Also, not only do they have multi-culture experiences, but rather, they have the ability to adapt to whatever environment they may find themselves in.

Surely acquiring such traits does not come easily, being a TCK myself. I moved from the Philippines to Singapore at the age of seven. I embarked on an unforgettable journey; I experienced a brand-new environment, different from what I was used to. Fortunately for me, on our first move, I didn’t feel any fear and anxiety. As a youngster, fitting in was easy, knowing that there were others in your batch going through a similar situation. It reassured me that I wasn’t alone. Apart from this, having gone to an international school called Overseas Family School, it was only mandatory that we take Social Studies, a course that focuses on the many ethnic races residing in Singapore; we examined their celebrations, history, traditions — my eyes were opened, my horizons broadened.

Social network: With friends in Mont Kiara International School Malaysia.

After having lived in Singapore for three years, and established a social network, as well as a tight-knit group of friends, news came again of yet another dreaded relocation. This time, we are relocating to Malaysia. The Social Studies courses proved useful, as I knew what to expect in Malaysia. It made everything simpler, and helped me adapt much quicker than before. I feel as if I began to “grow up” in Malaysia, as I was already 10 years old, I realized that having been so transient has given me the ability to establish connections and friendships internationally. I clearly remember the first day of school, the struggle of being new, introducing yourself and the whole thing. As three years passed, I established yet another tight-knit group of friends, and yet again news of another relocation, but this time to a more familiar place, back to Singapore. Although the relocation was back to Singapore, I went to a different school, Singapore American School. Since I was already in my “teens,” I found it much tougher to fit in. Not to mention that this school had a student body population of over 3,800 students. I absolutely dreaded going to school, I found it much harder to let go of my friendships in Malaysia. I vividly remember having to be literally dragged to the school bus to attend my classes. I kept to myself most times. It felt too tiring to blend in yet again. My mother knew I was having such a difficult time that she asked for help from the principal, the counselor and even the teachers. But fortunately, in due time, I made friends, and a lot of them. Everything was hunky-dory; I excelled in schoolwork, and in sports. I felt as if everything was perfect. Until, yet again, a new relocation was in place, but this time back to my home country, the Philippines.

Leaving Singapore was very difficult; it was, after all, our second home. It took me months to fit in to a new setting even though it was back to my home country. Yes, I was happy to be close to family and relatives but I was again at a loss with friends, freedom and routine.

However, only after returning to my birth country had I realized what an incredible journey I’ve been through. I’ve experienced so much, from different cultures, to different living standards. Despite the many challenges of having to move frequently, it has given me a better perspective on the world and its happenings. The experience also helped me not only learn of other cultures, but also to be highly accepting of their unique ways. More importantly, it has made me love my beloved country for what it is. As a Third Culture Kid, I feel I am more able to adapt to whatever can be thrown at me.

Balikbayan: Back in his home country, Zach is now with friends in International School Manila.

All in all, being a “global nomad” does not mean you lose touch with your home country, but you instead gain insight into many new ones. It gives you an unbiased outlook on things and gives a much clearer understanding and appreciation of the world and other people including your own. I consider my Third Culture experience as much a gift as it is a privilege, which I shall embrace and cherish for the rest of my life.

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The author Zachary Funtanilla moved to Singapore when he was seven years old and studied at the Overseas Family International School for two years. He then moved to Malaysia for three years studying at the Mont Kiara Intenrnational School after which he moved back to Singapore again this time at the Singapore American School for another three years. He is now back home in the Philippines and is currently in Grade 11 at the International School Manila.