Belonging Across Cultures

Show Notes

Welcome back to Nomadic Diaries for part two of our conversation with Ruth Van Reken, the influential voice behind "Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds." Joined by Megan Norton-Newbanks and your host Doreen Cumberford, Ruth dives deep into cross-cultural identity, belonging, and generational perspectives.

Key Topics Discussed

• Navigating the "Where Are You From?" Question
  • Ruth shares practical ways globally mobile people can gracefully answer this challenging question.
• The Social Dynamics of Identity
  • Examining why traditional questions about origin can feel alienating, and how curiosity and cultural sensitivity can create bridges instead.
  • The importance of focusing on connection and stories rather than details.
• Generational Differences in Storytelling and Belonging
  • The panel reflects on how different age groups approach storytelling, sharing, and forming connections.
• Unique Strengths of Third Culture Kids (TCKs)
  • Ruth outlines new research highlighting cultural competency and linguistic skills as hidden superpowers of TCKs.
  • Adaptability, bridge-building, curiosity, and global enthusiasm as signature traits in careers and communities.
• Creating a Sense of Home and Belonging
  • Ruth reflects on cultivating belonging wherever she’s lived, emphasizing human connection and the joys of multicultural friendships.
• Advice for Parents Raising TCKs
  • Ruth offers actionable guidance: nurture family traditions, recognize each child's unique gifts, and always foster a sense of agency and choice.
  • The importance of honoring both shared humanity and individual uniqueness.
• Final Thoughts on Belonging
  • The episode closes with a focus on collective belonging, inspired by a quote from Mother Teresa.

Notable Quotes

• “You can make it a fun question.”  Ruth Van Reken
• “I am more interested in the connection than the details.” 
• “Our biggest challenge is not only belonging—but belonging to ourselves.” –Ruth Van Reken