{"id":37484,"title":"Cooking Up a TCK Life with Jordan","description":"What does home taste like for a Third Culture Kid (TCK)? For Jordan, home tastes like a fusion of flavours from all the places he's lived. Jordan was born in Namibia to a Namibian mother and Kenyan father. His French stepfather entered the picture later","content":"

\"PromotionalWhat does home taste like for a Third Culture Kid (TCK)? For Jordan, home tastes like a fusion of flavours from all the places he's lived.<\/p>

Jordan was born in Namibia to a Namibian mother and Kenyan father. His French stepfather entered the picture later. Following his parents' careers took Jordan across Africa and Europe - living in Namibia, Kenya, France, DRC, Ghana, Switzerland, Tunisia, Scotland, and now England.<\/p>

As we chatted over a TCK-inspired meal Jordan was cooking up, blending dishes from the Philippines, India, China, and Brazil, he opened up about the constant \"where are you from?\" questions and not quite fitting in.<\/p>

\"It's just, it's really fascinating to understand that growing up as a TCK and especially in the diplomatic sort of situation where, you will realise that, you know, you did live in a privileged way in lots of areas.\"<\/p><\/blockquote>

Growing up with siblings who each looked very different presented a constant identity crisis for Jordan. His younger brother is white, while his sister is mixed race. Jordan shared how his mother raised each of them differently based on how she thought they would be perceived and treated by the world. Growing up in post-apartheid Namibia, Jordan explains his experience as unusual especially with siblings that all looked so different and how their parent\u2019s tackled the almost individual expectations that each of the their skin colours brought about in society.<\/p>

\"Three\"Because I am the black child. And she knew being Namibian, you know, being born and raised under apartheid, I was going to be treated different.\"<\/p><\/blockquote>

Transitioning to an international school, I initially thought our background was typical, but soon realised it wasn't. Upon leaving the school environment, we faced curious looks and questions, highlighting the differences in our upbringing compared to what might be considered \"normal.\"<\/p>

Moving between countries meant code-switching behaviour constantly. Jordan had to be more deferential to elders in Namibia, while he had more freedom of expression in France. He described living between cultures as an ongoing solo journey - something even his family couldn't fully understand.<\/p>

It's only after turning 30 that Jordan feels settled in his identity. He realises now the hurtful perceptions others had of him were mostly ignorance. With time, faith, and courage he gained confidence to take up space unapologetically.<\/p>

\"It was very confusing. Identity crisis for at least a decade and a half.\"<\/p><\/blockquote>

\"ThreeHome cooking brings Jordan joy, comfort, and connection. Severe food allergies as a child meant restrictive diets and unfamiliar flavours. But as the allergies subsided, he delighted in discovering how different cultures cook similar ingredients.<\/p>

Blending cuisines comes naturally to Jordan now. While we talked, he casually whipped up an Indian-Filipino pork belly adobo with Kashmiri chilli and Chinese black vinegar. To him and many TCKs, food evokes memories of people and places. The scents, tastes, and rituals provide a sense of home.<\/p>

Food, as Jordan emphasises, plays a central role in the TCK experience. From adapting to dietary restrictions to exploring diverse cuisines, food becomes a medium for connection, self-discovery, and cultural exchange. Through cooking, Jordan found a way to bridge gaps between cultures, bringing family and friends together over shared meals and creating a sense of home wherever they go.<\/p>

When asked what advice he'd give his younger TCK self, Jordan stressed to listen more than you speak, recognize that perceived negativity often stems from ignorance rather than malice, and be kind to yourself as you navigate the complexities of identity and belonging. Communication with family is also highlighted as essential, offering a lifeline of support and understanding in the midst of cultural transitions.<\/p>

\"Knowing that you deserve to take up space was very hard to come to terms for me because you're like, I deserve to take up space, but what about, you know, others who are less fortunate than I am?\"<\/p><\/blockquote>

To fellow adult TCKs, Jordan gives reassuring advice: \"It gets better. We've gone through the hardest parts. Now, prioritise yourself. You've done enough. You've been through enough.\" After a childhood of code-switching, as an adult you can finally just be.<\/p>

Jordan's story, like many TCKs, is one of endlessly adapting while searching for belonging. Through the shared experience of tending to his heritage through food, Jordan shows how TCKs can blend their upbringings into a new wholeness. Home can be found in the familiar flavours you carry with you.<\/p>

You can tune in to our brand new podcast <\/strong>The Culture Hub<\/u><\/strong><\/a> to hear Jordan\u2019s incredible journey first hand.<\/strong><\/h3>

<\/p>

And don\u2019t forget, if you hate answering that dreaded question 'where are you from?', you can let your outfit do the talking with our customisable t-shirts<\/u><\/a>!<\/p>

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