Growing up between two cultures
I often felt like I was constantly balancing between two worlds. On one side, there was my Moroccan heritage, rich with traditions, strong family ties, and deep respect for ancestry. On the other side, my Dutch upbringing, where individuality, directness, and independence were central. These two worlds shaped me, but they also presented unique challenges.
There were times when I felt accepted in both cultures, moments where everything seemed to flow in harmony. But more often, I found myself feeling torn between two sets of values and expectations, unsure of where I truly fit in. It’s a constant challenge to navigate between who you are, what’s expected of you, and where you feel at home. I wondered if I needed to change depending on the situation, if I had to choose one side, or if there was a space for me to fully embrace both.
This internal conflict wasn’t always easy. There were times when I felt like I didn’t fully belong to either culture, moments when the differences felt more like barriers than bridges. It left me questioning who I really was and where I could call home.
As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to navigate this complexity and appreciate the richness that comes from living between two cultures. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s given me a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of identity.
That’s why I’m sharing my story as part of CHAINGE to open up the conversation about these experiences, to shine a light on the challenges many of us face when navigating different cultural identities. Every story has the power to inspire change, and by sharing mine, I hope to encourage others to do the same.
Together, we can create a space where every voice and every experience is seen and valued.
Thanks for hearing my story - Leila
There were times when I felt accepted in both cultures, moments where everything seemed to flow in harmony. But more often, I found myself feeling torn between two sets of values and expectations, unsure of where I truly fit in. It’s a constant challenge to navigate between who you are, what’s expected of you, and where you feel at home. I wondered if I needed to change depending on the situation, if I had to choose one side, or if there was a space for me to fully embrace both.
This internal conflict wasn’t always easy. There were times when I felt like I didn’t fully belong to either culture, moments when the differences felt more like barriers than bridges. It left me questioning who I really was and where I could call home.
As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to navigate this complexity and appreciate the richness that comes from living between two cultures. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s given me a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of identity.
That’s why I’m sharing my story as part of CHAINGE to open up the conversation about these experiences, to shine a light on the challenges many of us face when navigating different cultural identities. Every story has the power to inspire change, and by sharing mine, I hope to encourage others to do the same.
Together, we can create a space where every voice and every experience is seen and valued.
Thanks for hearing my story - Leila