Growing up in Germany
Growing up in Germany had a big impact on how I see the world and how I understand different cultures. Being immersed in a place that wasn’t originally my own taught me to step outside of my comfort zone and be more open to new environments, traditions, and ways of life. It also gave me a sense of curiosity about other cultures and made me realize how important it is to understand perspectives beyond my own.
One of the biggest parts of my experience was learning German and adapting to everyday life in a different language. At first, it was challenging, but over time it became something that helped me connect more deeply with the people and places around me. In my classroom, I was the only English-speaking student, which initially made me stand out, but in a positive way. It made me feel unique, and I was accepted quickly because my classmates were welcoming and inclusive. I was able to make friends fast, which made the transition much easier than I expected.
Overall, living in Germany helped shape me into someone who is very open-minded and non-judgmental. It taught me not to assume or overlook differences, but instead to appreciate them and learn from them. It also influenced the way I view fashion and color, since being surrounded by a different culture exposed me to new aesthetics, design styles, and ways of expressing identity. That experience made me more aware of how fashion can reflect culture and emotion, and it pushed me to be more creative and intentional in how I see visual design.