Background and Early Influences

I was born in Berlin and spent much of my childhood there before moving to the United States at the age of twelve. Growing up in Germany shaped the way I see the world in ways I did not fully understand until I experienced a different culture. It is something that still influences how I think, communicate, and navigate both academic and social environments today. Even now, I notice how certain instincts, like valuing clarity in communication or preferring structure in my work, come from that early environment.

Living in a Historically and Culturally Rich Environment

Growing up in Berlin, I didn’t really think too much about what made the city unique at the time as it was simply the place I had known all my life. Looking back, though, it was a place where a lot of different cultures, languages, and perspectives came together, and that shaped how I see things now. Being around people with different backgrounds made it feel normal to hear different opinions and think about things from more than one point of view. Because of that, global issues always felt more real to me, not just something you learn about in class.

Cultural Differences in Communication

Beyond that, what stands out most to me when I think about growing up in Germany are the cultural norms that I didn’t question at the time, but became very aware of once I moved to the United States. German culture tends to be more reserved. People are generally more private, and relationships take time to develop. Communication is more direct and less centered around being overly polite or expressive. When someone says something, they usually mean exactly that, without much need for interpretation. There is also less emphasis on small talk, and conversations often feel more purposeful and straightforward.

Moving to the U.S., I immediately noticed how different that felt. People were much more open, talkative, and quick to form connections. It was common for strangers to start conversations or for people to express enthusiasm more openly. At first, this openness felt unfamiliar, even overwhelming, but over time I came to appreciate it. It made social environments feel more accessible and helped create connections more quickly. At the same time, I also started to recognize the value of the more reserved German approach. There is a certain honesty and efficiency in direct communication that I still find myself gravitating toward, especially in academic or professional settings.

Work Ethic and Structure

The same contrast exists in how work and structure are approached. In Germany, there is a strong emphasis on organization, planning, and doing things thoroughly. Punctuality is expected, and there is a clear distinction between work and personal time. There is also a sense that tasks should be completed carefully rather than rushed. In the United States, things often feel more fast paced and flexible. There is a greater focus on productivity and ambition, but sometimes less emphasis on boundaries. Experiencing both has shaped how I approach my own work. I tend to value structure and preparation, but I have also learned to adapt and be more flexible when needed. Being able to move between these approaches has become one of my strengths.

Adapting Between Two Cultures

Living between these two cultures has made me much more aware of how differently people can approach the same situations. It has also made me more adaptable. I have learned to adjust how I communicate depending on the context, to understand different expectations, and to be more open to perspectives that may initially feel unfamiliar. It has also made me more observant of social dynamics, since I am often comparing how similar situations might be handled differently in each culture.

Language and Cultural Identity

At the same time, growing up in a multilingual environment played an important role in shaping my identity. Being fluent in both German and English has allowed me to move between cultures more easily, but it has also shown me how language itself reflects cultural differences. Certain ideas or ways of expressing things don’t always translate directly, which has made me more attentive to how meaning is communicated. It has also made me more aware of how language can shape tone, perception, and even relationships between people.

Conclusion

Looking back, growing up in Berlin and then moving to the United States was not just a geographic transition, but a cultural one. It gave me the opportunity to experience two very different ways of thinking and interacting with the world. That experience is what ultimately sparked my interest in international relations and continues to shape my academic and professional goals. It also reinforced the importance of understanding cultural differences, especially in a globalized world where collaboration across borders is increasingly essential.