Interview of a Third Culture Kid EDU 533 Dr. Timmons California Baptist University By Wendy M. Chinchilla-Lopez

Where are you from? Where have you lived? Have you heard of a TCK/TCA (Third Culture Kid/Third Culture Adult? What is most unique about you as a third culture person? For this assignment I interviewed Michael, a middle school student in California, U.S.A. These were some of the questions I asked him and his mother.

Where are you from? Where have you lived? My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world. –Billy Graham When I posed this question, Michael had a blank stare on his face. He was saved by his mother who interjected with, “Do you mean where he was born?” I saw the look of relief on his face as he answered, “I was born in Florida.” He elaborated by naming Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and California as places he’s also lived in. This is typical of high mobility, third culture kids. When TCKs are asked this question, they tend to explain where they were born, and proceed with where they have lived. I believe that home is where family and loved ones are. You may end up living all over the world, but you will always carry your loved ones with you. One of the ways his family stays in touch with his grandparents in Florida is to Skype on Christmas Morning. They know that no matter where they are living, they will Skype with their family back home.

Have you heard of a TCK/TCA (Third Culture Kid/Third Culture Adult? At first, Michael said he had heard of TCKs, but quickly retracted himself when his mom admitted she had never heard of the term TCKs, or TCA. I explained that a TCK is a person who has lived in a host culture outside of their parents’ culture during their developmental years. I recommended the book, Third Culture Kids by David Pollock since their family would soon receive notice of his father’s next assignment. Michael revealed that the hardest thing for him is having to make new friends and saying goodbye every time they move to a new location. I offered advice [straight from the textbook] about building a RAFT (Reconciliation, Affirmation, Farewells, and Think Destination). I encouraged them to say goodbye to his favorite place here in California- Knott’s Berry Farm!

What is most unique about you as a third culture person? This part of the interview was very upbeat. Michael shared about the places where he has lived and what he liked and didn’t like about them. One thing is for certain in his mind… he does not want to live in Washington; he thinks it’s too cold there. He remembers celebrating Christmas on the beach in Hawaii, and returning to Florida once a year. Michael said, “It’s cool that I get to move to a lot of places.” He would not change his lifestyle. As a matter of fact, he turned towards his mother and said, “We’ve been here in California for too long. I think it’s time to move.” He considers himself fortunate because he realizes that other kids his age have never traveled outside of Riverside, California let alone another state. Both Michael and his mother will have a hard time saying goodbye to California because of all the friendships they have established, but the one thing they will not miss is the traffic!

This interview was eye-opening for Michael’s mother for various reasons. First of all, she had never heard of TCKs. Secondly, she had no idea her son struggled with making friends and leaving behind his best friend, each time they’ve relocated. Lastly, she now has a resource to help her ease the transition for Michael and his younger brother. Furthermore, it was insightful for me as I was able to see Michael’s experience fit the descriptions of a TCK straight out of the text. More importantly, I was able to provide a resource for this family as they continue to live the military life. Who knows how many more times this family of four will have to readjust to a new environment, but now they will have a tool that will allow them to make the transition a bit more smoothly. The next step is for me to share more resources that will help them as Third Culture Kids and Third Culture Adults: 1. millitarybrats.net 2. New Kid in School, by Linda Harris 3. ideas on documenting his life (artifacts, photo album, video clips) Conclusions: