Power of TCKs | Mark McElroy | TEDxYeongheungForest

Born and raised as a TCK, Mark McElroy shares how culturally diverse upbringing and travel can build tolerance, adaptability and one’s ability to live in the moment, traits needed for the the fast-changing world today. Balancing the delicate paradox of being worldly and naive, Mark shares these three key aspects of TCKs that make them belong wherever they are in the multiverse. An educator of 18 years, Mark is currently an Instructional Technology Coach at Korea International School. Prior to this, he was the Director of Learning Innovation at Shekou International School in Shenzhen, China.
Mark is a product of the international school system, graduating from the International School of Kuala Lumpur. An Apple Distinguished Educator, he has presented at the EARCOS Leadership Conference, 21Century Learning Hong Kong, Learning 2.0, iPad and various technology conferences throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Mark is currently exploring ways to scale innovation in schools and transform contemporary learning practices by empowering student voice. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@BreckoniousMaximus]

Finally! Someone else who understands what it's like to be a TCK! I grew up as a Military Brat, born in Germany, lived there until I was 12yo, then moved back state side and experienced the real culture shock. Specifically with racism. You see, we read about it in school books, but never experienced it and certainly did not think it was still alive. It's funny, we really didn't know what racism is because we were all mixed races from all over. Not just race, but religion, socio-economic status, and the drive for money as status. It wasn't "How much does your dad make?" it was "what cool job does your dad do?" Boy was I surprised that racism was alive and well in the good ol US of A. I simply couldn't wrap my head around it. In the end, I ended up moving 30 times before I graduated High School. But it wasn't until my 40's that I truly understood the impact of growing up as a TCK.

[@susanwright7108]

so great. I work with TCK's internationally to help them transition well and love these resources.

[@chacinema]

Until today I didn't know such word 'TCK' existed. I am Korean lived in Kenya Sweden Japan and Canada in the past and now am in Malaysia. I want my kids experience the same thing.

[@juns597]

Great speech. Really enjoyed it. I'm a TCK too. Grew up in Tokyo to Nepali parents. I had a very difficult childhood. I was bullied in Tokyo for looking the way I do and then my family was quite chaotic and dysfunctional. I did go to an international school in Tokyo. In any case, my point is that there are positives to a third culture kid but it's also can be quite difficult feeling rootless without a sense of belonging. I am now a mother to a 4 month old son living in my husband's country of origin. I don't feel like I quite fit in here but I'm not sure if I should move because that means my son would be a third culture kid. I want him to feel like he has a home. I don't want him to have an identity crisis. So that's what I'm debating right now. Anyway thank you for this.

[@disappearintothesea]

June Kirri I completely understand. I wish you and your family all the best.

[@user-rp9rs2mg3e]

Yea! Tokyo! I grew up in Tokyo and Yokohama, yes it is difficult growing up feeling rootless. I had some of those feelings too. I hope you have more of a sense of belonging now with your son and husband! Blessings and best of luck to you!

[@tereseneuhausel6628]

Very well done Mark. My father taught with your parents in Iran and I was friends with your sister Dana. Thank you for sharing !

[@ImaNorbyah]

Love this video. It's so relatable! I'll be using it in my Senior English Asian class as we're developing our personal narratives. Cheers! Hope you are well.

[@samcroninmusic]

Wow Mark, what a presentation! 😄 You executed it wonderfully, and I love the humour. The anecdote about your grandma was the highlight for me, with the tagline about "at some point having our worldview shattered"... It's a perfect way to express it, and when you focus it you realise that it happens again and again until you decide that the world isn't the grand multicultural, tolerant mix we all envision. My music deals alot with engaging people to share our worldview and inspire that spirit of understanding. Thanks for sharing a wonderful show! 🙏😃

[@100eurydyka]

Brilliant Mark! Well spoken and pieced together. It was great to be able to see you again.

[@longvolsince826]

What did he say when the weird robotic voice said "World Religions" at 4:10?

[@tiquipayagolden]

I came to the comment section for this exact comment

[@morgankrajczar8320]

Well done here! I relate to many things you have said.

[@karajoycefavila3340]

Very insightful. thanks for sharing, Mark!

[@kimyelim348]

I am so impressed by your speech! Thank you for sharing your experience! :)

[@MarkMcElroy]

Thanks for the watch!

[@susanwright7108]

wow you stayed in one place so long.

[@yoon3314]

I’m a tck and I want to become an international school teacher as well maybe it’s keen to think that way and have a job like that for a tck. Although I didn’t learn how to live now.

[@AdrienLegendre]

Terrible presentation title, should not use abbreviations. I want o give a TED talk on XYZ or PQL or BYQ or TCW or ...

[@luisalejandro2968]

researching world religion ?? what was that about that was clearly edited. better said shameless edited.

[@MrElamerican]

Did anyone else catch that robotic "world religions" but couldn't match to lips? strange