I was born to a Turkish mother and a half Irish half British father.

Their backgrounds were also multicultural. My Turkish grandmother's family were immigrants from Thessaloniki, Greece (See: The 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey) and Syria (still not certain), and my Turkish grandfather’s family was from Macedonia (See: Immigration to Turkey).

My dad was a diplomat (and I was a diplobrat)and for the first three years of my life I was in Nigeria.Mmy childhood was spent in different countries in different international schools with fellow diplobrats and international school students and teachers alike.

This exposure to different cultures and beliefs (and belief systems) at an early age led to me questioning “what is right” and “what is wrong?” I noticed that there was not just one right or wrong so I chose to open my eyes, ears and mind to all possibilities. Possibilities that could inform me to make my own decisions.

I believe compassion and understanding developed through exposure to these multicultural experiences and situations.

Of course, being a third culture kid has it’s challenges. I had to make new friends every three years and also leave other friends behind—sometimes never to see or hear from again.

Making decisions has also been difficult at times, especially regarding politics or faith. I have had to sit on the fence occasionally (or change my mind often) because I've not been sure what choice to make. My open mindedness or my “half/halfness” has made me never quite fit in or belong—not because I haven’t felt like I belong, but others have made it clear that I am not quite either or.

Yet, one lesson that I have learned is to listen to everyone with an open mind. I believe (I know!) that you can learn something from anyone - sometimes in moments and situations where you least expect it. Or sometimes from someone you least expect it (someone with a completely opposing view, for example).

There is a possibility in this deeply connected world beyond social media to provide children with spaces to connect and learn from one another from an early age. In these spaces, I believe they can learn to listen, gain compassion and understanding whilst sharing their stories. It is in these situations where they may realize their story (and belief/value system) is not the only one and not the “right one”.

The more we can embrace different values, the less arguments, fights, battles and wars will take place.

Because… wars are just caused because of the stories we tell ourselves, or the stories that countries or religions tell their citizens or believers. I think.

Third culture kids building bridges - image 1 - student project

Above you can see a photo of me and my friends in the British International School in Warsaw. I was around 10/11 years old here.

Melissa Lara Clissold

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