I am a Third Culture Kid

I'm a third culture kid living in Pakistan.

14th August has always been confusing to me. I don't feel like I legit belong here. Sure I was born as a Pakistani. But I was born in a different country, a different hospital and definitely pinched non-Pakistani vaccines.

I was schooled in an Arab school, where we sang 'Ishi Biladi' every morning. I celebrated 2nd December with red, whites and blacks, and my dinners included hummus and shawarmas.
Pakistan was just half my nationality.

The only time I rather felt patriotism was during Indo/Pak matches where you have to pick a side to cheer on. Always got those pakistan badges at home to bring the friendly fight on.

But I never got to know the country that tagged my name from the start. The place that my parents lived a good part of their lives in.

Love for a place stems from deep profound memories attached to it. My love will always be AbuDhabi. It nourished me, it raised me, it gave me beautiful memories to cherish. It is my happy place.

And then I see that love in the eyes of every Pakistani individual here. Every person waving the Pakistan flag with 'jazba', adorned in greens and whites. Every person singing the national anthem with their head held high. I see it deep in them.

Love for their country.

One day, It will grow on me. One day.


-TMR