Where Are You From?

I have been traveling since I was 14, constantly feeling like an outsider. Whenever I catch myself thinking, “Here I am; I belong here,” the inevitable question arises: “Where are you from?” This recurring question has left me feeling stuck, uncertain of where I truly belong.

It’s a strange sensation — feeling torn between places, unsure of where I truly fit in. One can easily drift through life, holding onto the hope that things will eventually improve, but time passes quickly, and I often wonder where my roots have gone.

I was born in the Republic of Moldova and moved to Romania for school, spending seven years there. Afterward, I transitioned to the United Kingdom for university, where I lived for about three years. During this time, I had the opportunity to travel to the United States through a university program. I later returned to Romania before coming back to the UK.

Last year, I spent time in Russia with my parents, and for the first time in a long while, I felt at home. I wasn’t an emigrant or an immigrant — I was right where I was meant to be. I discovered so many beautiful aspects of Russian culture, such as ballet, opera, and cuisine. The language, which I’ve spoken since I was five, resonated deeply within me. I embraced the traditions and the people, and my eyes sparkled with joy as I immersed myself in this world.

Yet, doubts linger. Is this place truly for me? Do I belong here? We often wrestle with the fear of trusting our own feelings and instincts. As my grandfather was Russian, I always felt there was a special connection for me in this country. However, the question remains: “Where are you from?” I often respond jokingly, saying, “I’m a person of the world,” yet inside, I feel like a stranger no matter where I go. 

Somewhere else 

So, how can one know where they truly belong in this vast world? It’s an interesting dynamic when we go abroad for studies or work — we become strangers in a world that doesn’t quite feel like home. I’ve observed how people often believe that life is better elsewhere. They encourage others to venture abroad, to build their own lives and careers. There’s also a natural curiosity about the food, behavior, and lifestyles of different cultures, leading many to conclude that somewhere else is better than their own homeland. 

However, there is no absolute “better” or “worse”; it’s all about how you perceive yourself and whether you’re open to embracing the world around you.

If you find yourself stuck answering the question, “Where are you from?” consider replying, “I’m still figuring it out, still searching for where I belong in this world.”

(Image courtesy of Shing via Unsplash)