I spent my childhood in Latin America, the granddaughter of expats - Argentines and Uruguayans living in Brazil, and Americans living in Peru and Colombia. My father was raised overseas in many different countries, a "Third Culture Kid" (TCK) before that term was established. My parents and their families spoke many languages around the dinner table, often switching in the middle of a sentence when a better word might do. After moving to the US, I still moved schools and states several times. When I went off to college in a different region, the culture shock was almost like being in a foreign country. In my life, I have now lived outside and in the US for equal amounts.​Now, I'm parenting two cross-cultural kids (CCKs) and see how positively managing their transitions across cultures and schools is so important for their learning and development. Because of my own story, I am personally invested in helping cross-cultural young people chart their future.

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In my professional life, I have worked with international high school students, first as an AP and IB History teacher, then as a high school counselor. In my role as a school counselor, I took care of adolescents' social and emotional wellbeing, academic pathways, and college/career goals. I have guided students from dozens of national passports to apply to universities around the world, from North America and Europe to Asia and Oceania. My main focus in their application process has been trying to identify the right "fit" for students -- places and plans for after high school that help them continue to be successful young adults. My goal for each of my students was not only that they got in to a variety of universities, but that they were engaged in their university journey, so that they could have multiple options for starting life after earning their degree. My favorite part of being a school counselor was walking alongside teenagers as they figured out who they were, who they wanted to become, and the paths that could best get them there. This is what drives my college consulting and coaching practice today. 

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Through coaching, students learn to be their best selves. They can understand and shape their own stories. Knowing the impact that global transitions can have on identity and learning can equip young TCK/CCKs to be better prepared to enter the adult world. They can arrive and thrive.

 

My hope is that by strengthening individuals around the world, we can build connections across continents. Our young people can build a flourishing world.