#231 A personal reflection on relocating

The reality of relocating and experiencing the excitement of being in a new city and a new country has been incredible and I have not (despite anticipating it) had the bubble burst (yet). (My move to Paris in July also explains, in part, my hiatus in posting blogs).

Over this last semester, I have been acutely aware of the reality - rather than simply the theory - of relocating. This includes the sense of knowing nothing and needing to ask questions, multiple questions, whilst figuring out (personally and professionally) practicalities, processes and procedures.

(Photo taken December 16 at the Champs-Élysées at the end of Semester One)

In terms of theory, I have over the years been aware of the notion of building a R.A.F.T. (see the International School of Düsseldorf’s page, Transitions and Third Culture Kids) and wholeheartedly believe that the transition process starts before the physical transition. It is important for students (and might I add families as a whole) to build a R.A.F.T. prior to the transition and relocation.

I am fully aware that the move from the UK to Paris is nowhere near as arduous - in terms of language, culture, living conditions etc., - as other relocations can be (and often are).

I am mindful that the decision to move was mine (and not ordained on a whim by a Head Office) and done taking into account certain parameters including, but not limited to proximity to the UK and being a country which can easily be visited by friends and family and one in which culture (see photos below) abounds.

These factors (along with a handover visit in May 2022 and a well organized orientation process) have no doubt contributed to a smooth relocation for me.

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When considering the notion of relocation and the changes and emotions it entails, I can not help but be reminded of the poem, Fear, by Kahlil Gibran (see below).

It is said that before entering the sea

a river trembles with fear.

She looks back at the path she has traveled,

from the peaks of the mountains,

the long winding road crossing forests and villages.

And in front of her,

she sees an ocean so vast,

that to enter

there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

But there is no other way.

The river can not go back.

Nobody can go back.

To go back is impossible in existence.

The river needs to take the risk

of entering the ocean

because only then will fear disappear,

because that’s where the river will know

it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,

but of becoming the ocean.

The verse, “The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean because only then will fear disappear, because that’s where the river will know it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean” is especially pertinent. It speaks to not simply the relocation, but the range of emotions associated with change and - most importantly - the sense of belonging (if a successful relocation) thereafter.

Moving forwards generally and specifically in my rôle in supporting families who transition into and out of our school, I especially want to hold on to the line, “it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean”

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Gibran, Khalil Fear