In today's globalized world, borders blur, cultures collide, and identities intertwine. As the boundaries between nations become more fluid, opportunities for multicultural experiences abound, giving rise to new generations of global citizens who proudly claim multiple passports, cultures, and identities.
Among them is Hannah, a trailblazer whose journey from Nagoya International School (NIS) to the bustling media landscape of Australia is a perfect example of the power of embracing both diversity and adversity and then finding strength in one’s roots.
Hannah's story begins in Japan, where she spent her formative years immersed in Nagoya's distinctive culture while celebrating her Korean and Australian roots. At NIS, she was surrounded by a diverse community where multiculturalism wasn't just celebrated - it was more the rule than the exception. Needless to say, this ‘norm’ was the perfect setting for Hannah as she learned about the world and developed into a global citizen.
Extended Learning Trips that took her to a Zen Buddhist Temple, ancient temples in Kyoto, historic sites in Hiroshima, traditional Japanese villages like Shirakawago, and other historic sites throughout Japan helped her appreciate and acknowledge her Japanese cultural connections. Even just witnessing the cherry blossom petals dance in the spring breeze on campus with friends and classmates was one in a kaleidoscope of experiences that helped shape her fond memories of NIS and grounded her in the culture of one of her ‘home countries.’
However, transitioning from NIS to the world beyond Nakashidami had its hurdles. Returning to Australia after nearly a decade in Japan, Hannah grappled with cultural differences and a sense of alienation. In a society where her upbringing seemed more like a novelty than a lived reality, Hannah struggled to reconcile her identity with the expectations of others.
"I experienced a lot of reverse culture shock when I left Japan," she reflects. "At the time, I found that my experiences would alienate people. So, I stopped sharing them and molded myself into a more palatable version of someone who actually wasn’t me, which made me even more miserable."
In the face of adversity, Hannah discovered solace in storytelling. Fuelled by her love for writing and a desire to amplify marginalized voices, she remade her career path of pursuing a law degree and veered toward a career in journalism. Despite the odds stacked against her, Hannah persevered, carving out a niche in Australia's media landscape.
"Living in Nagoya, the only English news channels we had access to were NHK, CNN, and the BBC," she recalls. "Anderson Cooper, Yalda Hakim, and Don Lemon were big influences in our household. Consuming a lot of news influenced my decision to pursue journalism."
From volunteering at a community radio station to earning her role at ABC News, Hannah's ascent in the industry wasn't without its challenges. She faced casual racism and systemic barriers, but she refused to be deterred. With resilience as her ally and storytelling as her weapon, Hannah kept moving ahead, determined to make her mark on the world.
"I've had people yell at me in the news control room, mistake me for another Asian woman, and call me by a different name," she recounts. "But I've also had people take chances on me and believe in me. These experiences have taught me resilience."
At the heart of Hannah's journey lies an appreciation for diversity and inclusion – values instilled in her during her time at NIS. In a world where differences are often met with skepticism, NIS provided a sanctuary where multiculturalism wasn't just accepted; it was celebrated.
"I didn’t realize how progressive my education was at NIS until I left," she reflects. "Being at NIS, where I was surrounded by peers with mixed identities, greatly influenced me as the person I am today."
Today, Hannah's accomplishments speak volumes. While working in the audio and podcast news space, she wrote, produced, and presented her own series on identity and multiculturalism called, “Who We Are.” Another podcast she worked on examining far-right extremism garnered her a significant award and well-deserved recognition. In her new role as a cross-platform journalist, she’ll work in TV, digital, audio, and social media platforms where she will no doubt continue to break barriers and defy expectations. Yet, amidst her professional success, Hannah remains grounded, guided by a simple mantra: embrace what makes you different.
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"What makes you different is your superpower," she advises. "Being yourself will cause the right people to gravitate towards you. Keep seeking out what you’re passionate about and know that it’s okay if that shifts and keeps shifting."
As Hannah's journey unfolds, one thing remains clear: identity isn't static; it adjusts based on our experiences, passions, and dreams. At NIS, where diversity and inclusion aren't just an aspiration but a way of life, students like Hannah are empowered to embrace their differences and chart their path to success.