Sometimes you meet other TCKs online that have an interesting story to tell. Check out Jesse's story...
What is your name?
Jesse
Where were you born?
Tokyo, Japan
What is your heritage?
Half Japanese, Half Caucasian
Where have you lived and how long at each place?
Japan 1 year
13 years in Seattle
5 years in Japan by 18/19.
And then College in US.
In total: 24 years in US, 6 years living in Japan.
13 years in Seattle
5 years in Japan by 18/19.
And then College in US.
In total: 24 years in US, 6 years living in Japan.
What is your definition of "home" and how is it different from those around you?
I'm now 31. If you asked me that when I was 20 I would have answered entirely different as I had a bad case of reverse culture shock. I slept in my car. The only time I felt "at home," was while in movement. As a musician, that meant feeling at peace while touring around the country. The moment I sat still was the moment I wanted to be somewhere else. Now, home is with my family- my wife and daughter. Anywhere we go will be centered around them and we'll call that place home. So, in essence, people.
Where do you consider "home" and why?
Seattle, Washington is my home because I overcame that part of my life that had such an intense grip on me. I talk about it in my book, but it was a very confusing time to come back to the US. Seattle though is where I met my wife, and we have roots here.
Do you have interests in the following: foreign languages, international relations, travelling, international politics, different cultures of the world, etc... Yes/No If so, do you think your background has helped you develop these interests?
I used to have far more of an interest to a point where I couldn't really relate to people my age. Now, I still do in international relations, traveling, international politics, and especially cultures. I feel right in place within an international community.
What are your thoughts on globalization? Current political situation?
The current US political situation? Or my thoughts on globalization in general? I am constantly growing. Ask me 10 years ago, my answer would have been entirely different. Ask me 5, and it would have been different as well. Today, I love that we live in a digital world where everyone can connect. That said, there are obvious cultural differences, boundaries, rules of laws- that enable countries to operate in any way they see fit. I really wrestled with the United States for a while, but I've come out loving the US because of my experiences in various other cultures. The way the government is set up, the freedoms that we have, (and often abuse) are beautiful.
How are your thoughts on world affairs different from those around you?
I have an actual world view, which often separates entirely from those around me. So when someone calls out a certain hot topic issue, my first question is often, "compared to what?" Our world today has shifted it's focus from ideas to surface level things. We want obvious rather than the philosophies of ideas behind them. It's a strange time to be alive politically, because people have a hard time separating emotions from ideas. It's why I've quit music, (for the most part) and become a writer. Writing has the ability to communicate ideas far greater than what music has become in my opinion. In the arts, for example, I find it fascinating that so many artists think exactly the same way on so many issues. As if creatives couldn't think creatively and have separate opinions. Therefore, when I talk to people I often times just observe what they are saying and ask them questions to get to the root of what they are saying. The difference is world experience, but also, being able to both relate and still come up with a take on life that isn't centered around experiences but of ideas.
Do you plan on incorporating a large amount of travel with your career?
My wife has her Masters in Social Work. Our dream is to do plenty of work all across the globe. Our passion centers around Thailand where we want to start coffee farms. I've been there a couple times and also do business there. Besides that, we'd love to have the opportunity to continue to travel. She's Laotian and has traveled more than I. We have a heart for people in South East Asia, but we want to go to other countries such as Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Short answer, yes.
Follow Jesse on social media and his blog:
http://www.jesselmcdaniel.
If you would like to be featured on this series please drop me an email at ahdancecompany@gmail.com
If you would like to be featured on this series please drop me an email at ahdancecompany@gmail.com
