South Africa : I flew before I walked. I had an Afrikaans accent before I had an American one. I drank Rooibos tea before Koolaid. I moved to Pretoria when I was still in nappies and three years later I asked my Dad after deplaning in Washington D.C. when we were going back home. I didn’t go back home until 25 years later and 20 additional houses had been considered home. The smells, the tastes, the sights, the sounds, and the touch surfaced a subconscious longing and an internal reconciliation for confronting a loss I didn’t know I needed to grieve and to heal from. From this experience, I understand the need to revisit past homes and my heart countries when time and finances and spaces allow for it so I can cultivate a sense of closure for them.
The Senses
Published by adultthirdculturekid
Megan Norton has lived in ten countries, five U.S. States, and has visited more than 30 countries. She identifies as an Adult Third Culture Kid and Global Nomad. Megan currently works as an intercultural dialogue facilitator and English language instructor. Megan has presented her TCK research at multiple conferences including FIGT (2016, 2017), SIETAR-USA, NAFSA, IMI, and CIES. She holds a MA in Intercultural and International Communication, a MA in Strategic and Business Communication, and BA in Public Relations. Megan is passionate about ATCK transitions, especially at the university level as she has attended both U.S. and International universities. View all posts by adultthirdculturekid
Megan C. Norton 