Ni hao!
Hi everyone! I’m Doreen (or sometimes Akiyo, depending on who you are). I just found out about the TCK thing relatively recently, (like after I was done with college) and I have to agree with the sentiment that it was a GIANT relief. I’ve spent many an hour livid after talking to people who just don’t understand and don’t seem to want to. In fact, I’m still constantly annoyed since I have to answer these damn questions all the time, but at least I know there’s an entire world of people out there who can relate besides my sister (who can’t really) and three of my cousins who are also TCK’s.
My background- I was born in Accra, Ghana where both of my parents are from and that’s my passport country. I moved to Tokyo when I was 1, then moved to Albany, New York when I was 12. I went to college in Michigan (at MSU) for for years, returned to Albany for one horrific year, and this summer came to Shanghai. I’m only gonna be here for a year, then I’m returning to Tokyo.
I’m soooo happy to be a TCK, but the lack of understanding from non-TCK’s is extremely irritating. I wouldn’t have it any other way though, especially since if I weren’t one, I’d probably STILL be in Ghana. Eek!
I was born in Accra, Ghana; where both my parents are from. I moved to Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 1. At the age of 12, I moved to hell on earth, known to some people as Albany, New York. I went to Michigan State in East Lansing, Michigan at the age of 18. At 22, I returned to Albany, NY where I stayed there for one excruciatingly soul-crushing year. After that, I came to to Shanghai China, where I've been for a few months. If I had gone to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I would most definitely have been in Gryffindor.
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9 Comments to “Ni hao!”
January 20th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Doreen! It’s about time!
I’d give you a LOLcat but yea, it’s 10:43 pm now and I’m too lazy to go through the proxy to find a suitable LOLcat pic for ya
So maybe Brice will get there before me LOL
Btw, Uncle Dan, this is the girl I am telling you about that’s in Shanghai and wants to meet you XD I’m telling you, word is getting around!!!
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January 20th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Hi Doreen, welcome to tckid!
So you’re Uncle Dan’s famous fan? hehehe
Good to see you here!
Oh CYnthia, no lolcat??
Ok, I’ll do it.. here’s a picture welcome for ya!
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January 20th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Hi Doreen/Akiyo, welcome! How are you? Do you prefer one of your names over the other?
I have a question for you. Why did your parents move to Japan and then the US? Would you consider yourself an immigrant or not?
I’m just wondering because I believe immigrants are TCKs, but some people on this forum I think have different definitions.
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January 20th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Hah! Yayyy, fans.
Anyway, you were in Michigan? I went to U-M from 2003-2005. I pretty much got kicked out, but now that I’m in Switzerland I’m *laughing*, I say, *laughing* in response. Life is much better here, and I just wish those friends I made in Michigan could see it because they could’ve used some more internationalism in their lives…
Anyway! Welcome to the site! If I’m ever in Shanghai…
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January 20th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Welcome Doreen/Akiyo! (Like Clarita asked, do you have a preference?)
And you’ll be in Shanghai?? I’ll be in Suzhou, once February rolls around!! And I can almost guarantee that I’ll be in Shanghai eventually (I’ll only be in Suzhou until July), so if I’m ever in the area, I’ll let you know! (or vice versa)
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January 20th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Wow! Thanks for the warm welcome. And yes, I am your biggest fan, Dan. If you or USAFinn (or anyone, really) ever come to Shanghai, I will be glad to provide you with housing! But only until September…cuz then I’m moving again.
Generally I go by Doreen (unless I’m with Japanese people who don’t really speak English. Which is actually a lot of people.)
Clarita- My dad didn’t move to America. It was only me, my mom, and my sister. I don’t consider myself an immigrant, because, well, I’m actually not one. I was on a visa in the states, which expired, so I no longer live there, and probably never will again.
I’m so excited to be a part of this community! Thanks everyone!
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January 20th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Doreen, welcome to TCK!
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January 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 am
hey doreen! yeah, its about time you made your way over here. you may be a fan of uncle dan, but i am a fan of you!
so, i hate to divide and label stuff, because all of us tcks have such diverse experiences, but there are few if not no other tcks on this site (yet!) who are from africa originally and still hold that passport, lots of folks who lived there though!
anyway, glad to have you. one of my bestest friends is a ghanaian tck who recently repatriated for the first time, but i think she’s moving soon.
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January 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
In tckid, Dan is fan of YOU!
… Couldn’t resist. ^^
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