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Meet Brice Royer


Brice Royer is the founder of TCKID, a non-profit organization dedicated to give culturally mixed people find a sense of belonging. His perspectives on race, culture and social media sites have been featured on the BBC, ABC News, The Telegraph, the U.S Department of Defense, Education Week, and the Families in Global Transition Conference. His Website: http://briceroyer.com | BBC Interview on Youtube

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The 1-Hour Finger Snapping Discovery:How I Overcome Years of Pain, Frustration, and Failure… In One Hour

At age 19, Brice was surprised by a misdiagnosis of a terminal disease, with no cure or explanation. He was prescribed a hand splint to immobilize his wrist. For several lonely years, his health deteriorated until it was too painful to lift a pen, take a shower, or even dress himself.


brice royer

After breaking through his debilitating beliefs, he noticed relief from his hand pain in one hour, and a snap of the fingers confirmed the pain was completely gone. He was so inspired that he promised to devote his life to help others “remove the splints” that prevents them from living to their fullest potential. Since then, he has inspired and encouraged thousands of people around the world.

He founded TCKID, a non-profit organization dedicated to give third culture kids a sense of belonging. His perspectives have been featured on the BBC, ABC News, The Telegraph, the U.S Department of Defense and Education Week.

EARLY YEARS

Brice Royer was born in France on February 15th, 1984. His father, Francis Royer, was born and raised in France where he grew up and joined the army. Brice’s grandfather is half French and Moroccan, and his grandmother is Vietnamese.

Brice’s mother, Aziza Yussuf, grew up in a small community in Ethiopia. Her father worked as a lawyer during the reign of emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, then flew the country after the civil war, and returned to open a school and help rebuild the country.

It was there, in Ethiopia, where Brice’s parents met. His mother was working in a shop as a seamstress, and his father was on a peacekeeping mission that allowed him to travel and pursue his dreams to help others.

Brice’s father eventually returned to France, and Brice grew up with his mother for a few years in Mayotte, La Reunion, and studied in Canada. Later, he moved to London, where he started a business in online media and consulting for non-profits.

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BBC Interview. Listen to Brice’s interview by BBC on TCKID and Third Culture Kids.

INTERVIEW WITH BRICE:

Where are you from?

The short answer I give is “I’m from Ottawa, Canada. But I was born in France.”. My father is a half French and half Vietnamese U.N Peacekeeper and my mother is Ethiopian. It was an unlikely love story that transcends race, culture and values. But they found love across barriers, and for that, I’m grateful for the diversity of my heritage.

Where do you belong?

I’m mixed race. I’m also a Third Culture Kid. I belong to other TCKs just like me, it’s a new identity — the third culture and cross cultural identity. I’m not French, Vietnamese, Ethiopian or Canadian and I certainly don’t belong everywhere and nowhere. I belong with Cross cultural kids. I’ve always been in one identity box, The “Foreigner” — I look different and feel different — I even sound different, even among family members, which does have some advantages. For instance, I’m not likely to be pressured to fully adopt and comply to their cultural rules. I eat French food for breakfast, Ethiopian food for lunch, and my own special multicultural recipe for dinner.

But the truth is, I order Chinese take-out more often than I would like to admit, because let’s face it, it’s convenient and I can be lazy sometimes.

I’m grateful to speak several languages and have friends from all over the world. My best friends are Korean, my brother lives in France, my father is on mission in Afghanistan, I have cousins in Sweden, Australia, Los Angeles, and various places around the world, and for some reason, I happen to speak some Japanese.

What are your challenges?

I remember when I was at school and struggled with unresolved grief. My health began to deteriorate because of this unresolved emotional baggage, and for two years, I suffered from chronic pain. I couldn’t even use my hands without having pain — it was every student’s nightmare. Especially if you’re the type of student who spends most of their time chatting with his friends around the world.

To make matters worse, I still didn’t know where I belong, I was confused about my cultural identity and because I couldn’t use my hands anymore, I felt I had no real purpose. It was a really dark period in my life.

But I’m really lucky I discovered and learned a few little things that would change the course of my life.

I know it’s not always easy being a TCK who feels restless and trying to have fulfilling relationships, a sense of belonging, and a purpose in life … especially when you’re tied up most of the time studying or working with people don’t quite understand you.

And when you think about how to start dealing with restlessness, your unresolved grief, and your future, it can seem overwhelming.

So I want to just take a minute and let you know everything is going to be fine.

You’re not broken and you’re not alone.

How can I say this? Because I know how you feel. Finding a sense of belonging, being at peace with the past, and having a purpose in life wasn’t easy for me either, and I sure had challenges of my own …just like many TCKs do now.

What is your life like today?.

Today, I know where I belong. I have a better sense of belonging, I’m no longer dragged around the nose by restlessness, I have great friends and a meaningful purpose in life. Like everyone else, I still have challenges and I’m not perfect, but I’m at peace with my past. All I need is a teleportation machine so I can travel anywhere I want, and I think my life would be perfect. If you have one, please contact me.

Why did you create TCKID?

I founded TCKID in November 2007 to help Third Culture Kids find a sense of belonging. But I was not prepared for what was to come.

We’ve had over 2,500 people join our list, had 72,000 visitors in the last 8 months, and I get around 10 emails per day. We had no idea it would get this big. And I’m flattered, but a little freaked out by it.

Within months of starting TCKID.com, I’ve been getting SLAMMED with emails, messages, and requests
from TCKs, adult TCKs, parents, teachers from all around the world asking questions like…

How do find out where I belong?

How can I make and maintain friendships with non-TCKs and TCKs?

How do I deal with the grief I still feel from long ago losses of
country and friends?

How do I stop restlessness because I can’t seem to stay in one
place more than 2-3 years?

How can I not forget and lose my past while moving towards the
future?

How do I deal with the loneliness I sometimes feel, even when
others are around?

How do I learn to recognize and develop fully the gifts I
received from this TCK experience?

And so much more…

I’ve received tens of thousands of emails since TCKID’s launch. And I’ve read every one, but have only had the chance to respond to a few of them. I have to work on several important projects for TCKs this year, so I’ve been overwhelmed.

Fortunately, we have a lot of support from the volunteers in our community and from experts like Ruth Van Reken who have joined us to create a TCK teleclass, with many more to come.

I’m just a regular guy and I’m not really into this business of teaching people, I’m not a coach or anything, so please bear with me because I’m not a “professional” and I have flaws like everyone else, but I do want to share these incredible success stories and knowledge with the community.

Here’s a true story from a TCK:


“I’ve always known that I struggle with issues of identity and belonging. But over the last few months I’ve also started to notice that I really struggle with relationships. I struggle to make friends. I struggle to be a part of a community. I struggle feeling integrated.”

Three weeks ago I thought I was done with the crying until I signed up for TCKid, and Brice sent me that link to the TCK mini course. I read it, and it hit me really hard. I ended up on the floor bawling my eyes out as the pain and grief left me.
I think some serious repair work was done to my heart that night. The incredible and overwhelming loneliness I had felt prior to that seems to have disappeared. Gone. Poof. Suddenly my heart is light. Now that the loneliness is gone, I actually feel positive about working on the friendships that I have to breakdown my distrust and build something strong in its place, and on making new friends too. Weird how that works isn’t it? I thought the natural thing was for us to look for friends when we are lonely, not when we’re doing fine. But it was the opposite for me.
So that’s what TCKid has done for me. I think what TCKid does is powerful. I think ‘powerful’ is the right word. I think what Brice, Ruth and all those involved are doing is accomplishing something really powerful – but probably subtle too. What it will accomplish will probably be much greater and much much more powerful than it will ever appear on the surface. Powerful because I think what it accomplishes in a human heart will not be wasted. “

I may be an ordinary guy but I’ve learned that with determination and passion for TCKs, when we are together, ordinary people can do great things.

I’ve learned from our volunteers that TCKs are welcoming of strangers and really do want to make a difference.

It wasn’t easy but this valuable experience completely transformed my life, and I would like to share this opportunity with as many people as possible.

Any advice for TCKs?

My advice to TCKs is this: Reach out to a stranger. Talk to a TCK, a foreigner, an immigrant, or anyone who has lived on the margins of society and feel like they don’t fit in anywhere. Listen to their stories, and welcome them into your world, because you’ll give them something most people can’t: a real sense of belonging.

Helping TCKs find a sense of belonging changed my life, I hope it changes yours.

Thank you,
Brice

Founder
http://briceroyer.com

My story on TCK Academy: http://tckacademy.com/class/about-expert-interviews.html

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brice-Royer/7770061462
On MSN: bricethecat at hotmail dot com
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/tckid

Friends:
Ruth Van Reken’s website http://crossculturalkids.org
Paulette Bethel http://pmbethel.blogs.com/
Among World Magazine: http://www.interactionintl.org/amongworlds.asp
FIGT (Families in Global Transition): http://www.figt.org/

International Family Mag: http://www.internationalfamilymag.com/aug08/thirdculturekids.htm

Popularity: 7% [?]

Posted by Brice at 1:11 pm on November 19th, 2007. Comments
Categories: General Forum, Introduction.

  • Danny Poblete, Jr.
    Hi Brice,

    I lived in Ethiopia for 8 years. I am a TCK-MK, which may probably be viewed as a more specific classification of a TCK. Do you speak Amharic?

    I'm on FB.

    Cheers,

    Danny
  • Mohammad Khater
    Dear TCK's,

    I actually came across this communicty by conincidence. I was born in Egypt (1980), but i was telling a friend of mine few days ago that i was raised on airplanes, from country to country mostly around the Arabian Gulf region.

    I came across many cultures as living with my family in different places. When i settled back in Egypt few years ago, i had this feeling that people see me weird!. I was actually frustrated with every comment i recieve from people i know or i do not know.

    I was lucky to hit th term "TCK" and the more i read about it the more i feel home.

    People thought am Egyptian and they expect me to behave this way.However, i have a third culture incorprated in me resulting from various culture i've lived through and all my actions are based accordingly to it! as simple as that, i am the mixer culture!.

    I hope i can get intouch with TCK's around Egypt and the world, i actually realized that TCK's are gifted with their ability to understand different cultures, different people, and adapt to new situations.

    I am glad to meet all of you.

    Regards,
  • I am a TCK and Military Brat. My Dad is an immigrant who escaped from communist Czechoslovakia when he was 14. My Mom is a typical American whose family is half the population of L.A. I was born and raised in Germany. I learned to love Europe and it's history because my Dad would take me places and tell me the story of what happened there. He's a great story teller. We moved around Germany until I was almost 15 then Dad got stationed in Virginia. My first civilian community and school were a shock. I was not accepted, even in the church youth group. I had these "weird" habits of mixing languages in my daily speech. I told my Dad the joke was over and it was time to go home, no such luck. I finally escaped my hell when I met my husband. He was already in the Navy when we met so I joke with him that I fell in love with him for the uniform. We had been married 3 years when he got assigned to Italy. I was thrilled to be going back to Europe, my home. The first chance I got I took him to see the country I grew up in. It wasn't the same. All the sights were exactly as I remember down to the smell of the Nurnberg Christmas market, but something was missing. My friends and the German/American/Military culture weren't there anymore. The base had been torn down right after my family left. My old high school and housing area were still there but nothing else. Now my husband has separated from the Navy and I find myself in Kansas. Time to be the new person again; and here anyone whose family isn't one generation old in the town is new. You'd think the home town of Ike Eisenhower would be a little different. People will talk to me if I start the conversation but I get no calls or visitors. I spend as much time on Fort Riley as I can just to get my fix of being with my own people. Thank God my husband is still in the reserves!
  • Japan is where I was born and raised by American missionary parents. I loved growing up in Japan and despised the USA (land of my passport). For so long I felt I had to be only loyal to one country. I think that was one of my biggest culture "issues." Since I didn't feel comfortable as an American in America, I simply shunned the country. Gradually, I learned I could be loyal to both and see good and bad about each nation.

    I was able to create a character in my novel, Rain Song (Bethany House: 2008), that has to deal with being raised as a foreigner in Japan. He ends up going back to live there after college in the US. Many readers have asked if it's autobiographical. I tell them that novels are fiction. However, it was therapeutic to be able to sort out some of my feelings about being a TCK through my characters. I also hope I helped others understand what it is like to grow up wondering just who you are and where you belong.

    Thanks, Brice, for helping the rest of us have a place to relate.

    ~ Alice J. Wisler, author of Rain Song and How Sweet It Is
    Durham, NC
  • Japan is where I was born and raised by American missionary parents. I loved growing up in Japan and despised the USA (land of my passport). For so long I felt I had to be only loyal to one country. I think that was one of my biggest culture "issues." Since I didn't feel comfortable as an American in America, I simply shunned the country. Gradually, I learned I could be loyal to both and see both good and bad about each nation.

    I was able to create a character in my novel, Rain Song (Bethany House: 2008), that has to deal with being raised as a foreigner in Japan. He ends up going back to live there after college in the US. Many have readers have asked if it's autobiographical. I tell them that novels are fiction. However, it was therapeutic to be able to sort out some of my feelings about being at TCK through my characters. I also hope I helped others understand what it is like to grow up wondering just who you are and where you belong.

    Thanks, Brice, for helping the rest of us have a place to relate.

    ~ Alice J. Wisler, author of Rain Song and How Sweet It Is
    Durham, NC
  • Fahima
    I had no idea that there was a you tube video of the third culture. I ma doing a research paper on tck and when i was searching online i noticed your page. i never knew people gave that muck attention to the whole idea of third culture, so i think is great that you made this video and the whole article its good. So thanks for the help Brice
  • Great interview. you said it all Brice. I can say the more I read through this site the more I want to help.

    It's funny what you said about when people ask ... "where are you from ?" my answer is usually ... "You want the long version or the short version ?" that usually surprises them ... people usually answer back ... the short version. Then when I answer ... shortly after that .. they ask ... "well .. so what is the long version ?" It always puts a smile on my face everytime.

    Anyway my friend real glad you started this site. You can count on me in South Florida.

    By the way ... I love the idea of having a TCK day. Let's work on it !

    James
  • Zak
    Hello Brice

    What you have done in your lifetime is something I consider amazing. I don't speak of this site alone but the fact that you are in Business for Non-Profits and somehow you do it all through Media. Congratulations on that.

    I write to you to ask about the TCK mini course mentioned above. I am thinking I probably need to sign up as the person above has done. Will follow through. Maybe a comment about the mini course will prevent the double up of mail in your In-Box.

    Thank You
  • Arlette
    Sincerely, I felt like I was reading myself...It is difficult. It is painful. I do not know what else to say...I can only say 'indicible', a French word that clearly explains everything.
    People don't understand...I heard one person say that no place on Earth is ever going to feel like home and that hit me. It still hits me. I want to belong somewhere but I do not know where.
  • Rhoda Serafim
    Hi Brice,

    I admire your courage, sincerity and heart. So, thank you for being just who you are! Virtual or not, you speak truthfully and loyally to TCKs and nonTCKs alike. You're right, the world needs us to speak out!

    As far as me, this quote is the one that spoke to me the most

    "I know it's not always easy being a TCK who feels restless and trying to have fulfilling relationships, a sense of belonging, and a purpose in life ... especially when you're tied up most of the time studying or working with people don't quite understand you."

    I am an old school philosopher in which words do not hold it all but dialogue and deep relationships are most important. So, not being understood or not being able to develop the mentor-student relationship I used to have in NZ is the greatest struggle and greatest loss for me right now. It may seem like a small gesture to hear that someone else feels misunderstood but it has given me much relieve and it certainly is freeing. Thank you.
  • Bothina
    WELCOME Brice :-)

    And just THANK YOU
  • Leticia Maguire
    I am so pleased to have found this community, what an amazing gift - not only to TCKs but also to the rest of the world.
    I'm a missionary kid of Asian/Australian parents, I was born in Papua New Guinea, and spent most of my time between there and Australia, although also some time in the USA as well... not to mention the travelling that I've done as I got older, whenever I had itchy feet.
    I've married a nonTCK Australian, and settled in NSW, and luckily for me he is very well travelled! Although I'm sure he gets tired of me suggesting we move to *insert random country* every couple of years.
    This site has really helped me to understand many things about myself, and my feelings as I was growing up. It's wonderful to know that there are other people out there who have the same problems AND the same blessings in their life.
  • Jan Dion
    I love the cameleon as the logo. How appropriate. As far as "What quote should we have here?" I would suggest the definition of what a TCK is or a square peg trying to fit in a round hole or something about being a global refuge...
    Thank you for developing this site and staying touch.
    Blessings from China
    Jan
  • Lois Bushong
    Wow, there really is a face and a real person behind the name and all of the computer equipment! I loved the video and this interview. I SOOOOOOOOO appreciate all of the very hard work and long hours you spend on this website. I've sent so many TCKs this direction as it is a place we can call home. So does that make you our Dad??? ha Thank you Brice for giving up so much to create this site. I hope to meet you in person!
  • Shaheema
    Wow.. I know everyone's probably said this, but kudos to you for this site! And best of luck for your future. I never knew i was a TCK till someone else told me i was, though i had a hard time explaining what 'home' was. Now i feel like i belong somewhere!
  • Annyoung Ha Se Yo

    It was bittersweet to read your introduction. I was very excited to learn about your richness in background, but at the same time i couldn't help but to think of the insecurity you may have sensed.

    This forum you have created helps me realize that there are so much more out there to learn, to grasp onto... I just haven't had the knowledge and resources. Thank you for your posts and honest thoughts.

    "Thank you's" also go to those who have been actively making this site a better place. I think a lot of TCKs including myself need professional help. I dream of the day when TCKs are more accessible to tangible needs.
  • starburst
    Brice, I also miss playing piano. Yay for pianos! Unfortunately unlike violins, trombones, bongos or most other instruments, they come last in the portability race. (Which is why they are an unusual choice for us TCKs).

    It's admirable what you and your mum have achieved. How did you get into counselling other RSI sufferers?

    And is Vancouver for keeps? I've never been.
  • Kristina J. Adams
    Hey Brice...glad to hear your background, and thank you for setting up such a thought provoking and connecting site.

    I went to Bible school in Germany with a ton of Mennonites from Canada (not a menno myself, though now in northern IN, now, am SURROUNDED my mennos, along with the Amish). That was my first "real encounter" (other than watching Strange Brew) with Canadians. Ok, now I sound totally sheltered and almost offensive...

    Anyway, backpacked around Europe for a month after school with people from Vancouver (Abbotsford), and a year or so later, flew out from Chicago spent two weeks out there...BEAUTIFUL. For me, it was the perfect combo of Europe and US.
  • amin
    Hi Brice and Dan,
    Thanks for the welcome. I am from Ethiopia, born there. I left Ethiopia when I was ten with my parents because of my dads job. We lived in Uganda,Kenya,Zambia and Nigeria before I came here to the stats in 1988. while we were living in these different counties in Africa I was going to a boarding school in Tanzania. In the past few years I have reconnected with my friends from boarding school which has made a big difference in my life.
    I am just about done reading the TCK book and that's where I found your website in a round out way. I just wanted to connect with other TCk that's why I looked you guys up....the lonely part was to just something in there even though there might be some truth to it.
    well that's a little about me.
    Later.
    Amin
  • Cynthia
    Another one for the Brice:

    <img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2007/12/funny-picturs-cat-in-exhaust.jpg" alt="funny picturs cat in exhaust"></img>
  • Isa
    Salut Brice!

    Haven't i seen you around somewhere before...? Anyways, 'welcome' to your site! :-)

    Go the islanders!!!
  • Cynthia
    This one is for Brice for working so hard on this website, keeping it running and watching it grow :)

    Thank you Brice!

    <img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2007/10/128341018334687500isotireditb.jpg" alt="i so tired it be real long day"></img>
  • Cynthia
    Wow I realized I completely skipped this thing XD

    WELCOME BRICE!!!! To your own website? LOL :D Love your LOLcats btw...
  • priyanka
    Howdy, Brice! Welcome to this here website.. that you created... months ago =D. You have the distinction of being the very first Eurasiafrican I've met (I think) but you probably won't be the last... not if the Chinese and Indians get their way =P. BTW, thanks for creating something that enables my procrastination. haha
  • AlastairS
    WELCOME BRICE! I don't do any sort of images unfortunately. But thanks for setting up this site, I think it'll help a lot of people! MERCI!
  • Jessica_Ahn
    hello~

    thanks, i really enjoyed reading your intro!!!
  • Karin
    Hmmm... Good question. I'm not entirely sure yet. Depends on whether I get into grad school I guess :P
  • Brice
    Hi Karin! :)
    So, are you planning to settle somewhere or keep traveling? Are you gonna stay in Boston?
  • Karin
    Hey Brice!

    I'm here! Good job on the site! ^O^
  • Brice
    My mom was good to me, and she deserves a break for putting up with me all these years lol

    It's amazing to see how much her health has improved...

    Last year, she was in so much pain it was hard for her to fall asleep. But now, after a year of physical therapy and weight training, she's completely pain free and she's actually considering entering on a figure competition next year. lol

    She's in excellent shape now, better than me to be honest! :P

    It was a life long dream for her to compete, so I'm really happy about that.
  • warona
    aw brice, look at you taking care of your moms. you are such a good guy!

    i also fell in love with an old friend. isn't that the best?
  • jeff
    Welcome to tckid, Brice! Wait a minute... don't I know you from somewhere? hahaha :D

    Yeah I visited BC on vacation and it's really great, you made a good choice settling there.
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