oczajkowskam“My identity is a hybrid of everything I’ve experienced—where I come from and where I am now.” — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, growing up between two cultures can be both a gift and a challenge. For some, it means embracing the richness of diverse traditions, languages, and perspectives. For others, it can be a journey of self-discovery, often accompanied by a sense of displacement. Two young women, Weronika and Zara, share their experiences of navigating life between two cultural worlds.
Polish and African roots: Weronika’s story
Blending Two Worlds Through Family and Food
Weronika was born in Poland to a Polish mother and a Nigerian father. From an early age, she was exposed to two distinct cultures—one rooted in the traditions of Poland and the other in the vibrant heritage of Nigeria. Her childhood was a blend of Polish customs and Nigerian influences, especially in the kitchen, where her father, a passionate cook, introduced her to the flavors of his homeland.
“I feel like when I was younger, it was more of a mix between both of them because both of my parents were really focused on putting their culture onto me,” Weronika shares. “But now that I’m older, I feel more connected to Poland, especially since I’ve been on Erasmus and started missing home.”
Facing Stereotypes
However, growing up with a mixed background in Poland came with challenges. She often faced stereotypes and misunderstandings, as many people in Poland had little exposure to African cultures.
“I kind of have to be an ambassador for Nigeria every time,” she says. “People assume that Africa is just a barren land where people are struggling, but Nigeria is so much more than that. The city my dad is from is beautiful, vibrant, and full of life.”
The Advantage of a Multicultural Background
Despite these challenges, Weronika sees her multicultural upbringing as an advantage. Being raised with both Polish and English gave her a head start in language skills, and her exposure to different cultures has made her more open-minded and adaptable. “I think it’s easier for me to connect with people from different backgrounds because I’ve grown up between two worlds.”
A hidden heritage: Zara’s Journey
Growing Up Without a Cultural Anchor
For Zara, growing up in Slovakia with Hungarian, Croatian, and Yugoslav roots was a complex experience. Raised primarily by her grandparents, she was surrounded by a rich cultural background—yet much of it was kept from her. Her grandfather, born in what was then Yugoslavia, and her Hungarian grandmother chose not to share their cultural traditions, leaving Zara with a sense of disconnect.
“I usually say that I grew up without a cultural background,” she explains. “I didn’t have the Slovak traditions, but at the same time, my Hungarian and Croatian family withheld theirs from me.”
Realizing She Was ‘Different’
This lack of cultural identity became more apparent as she grew older. A pivotal moment came during a geography class when students were asked about their family origins. While most of her classmates named Slovak cities, Zara found herself stating places outside of Slovakia. It was then she realized how different her background was.
She also faced exclusion in high school, where classmates made fun of her last name for not being traditionally Slovak. “At the time, I didn’t even know they were mocking me behind my back,” she recalls. “It wasn’t until later that I found out.”
The biggest challenge for Zara wasn’t just the teasing—it was the feeling of not truly belonging anywhere. “Slovaks would tell me I’m not really Slovak, Hungarians would say I’m not Hungarian. I was constantly being told what I was supposed to be, but “I never felt fully accepted by any group.”
Reconnecting with Her Heritage
Now that she’s older, Zara is taking steps to reconnect with the cultures that were once withheld from her. She’s learning Hungarian and researching her family’s history, reclaiming a part of her identity she was never given as a child. One thing she is grateful for is the food—her grandmother may have hidden many traditions, but she kept Hungarian cuisine alive in their household. “I have good memories of her making homemade lángos, bundáskenyér, and other traditional dishes.”
Finding Strength in a Multicultural Identity
Both Weronika and Zara’s stories highlight the complexities of growing up between cultures. While their experiences were different, they share a common thread—the struggle of belonging and the beauty of embracing a unique identity. Their journeys serve as a powerful reminder that identity is fluid, shaped by personal experiences rather than rigid labels. For those who feel caught between worlds, the key is not to fit into a single category, but to embrace the richness of both sides.
