Portledge in the Now.

A Reflection on 10 Years at Portledge

by Jesse Jang

When I first read the email request for content for the Crest 60th Anniversary Newsletter, I initially thought this did not pertain to me. However, over spring break, as I was reflecting on the year, I realized that I am also celebrating my own Portledge anniversary: I have been part of the Portledge community for ten years. Prior to coming to Portledge, I often changed jobs due to my thirst for adventure and travel, and I sometimes also experienced the feeling of 'not belonging' at those schools.

Having grown up during most of my formative years outside of my birth country, South Korea, I am considered a "Third Culture Kid," a term coined by American sociologist and anthropologist Ruth Useem in the 1950s. Webster's Dictionary defines Third Culture Kid (TCK) as a term that refers to mixed identity, influenced both by their parents’ culture(s) and the culture(s) in which they are raised. In my case, I grew up in South Korea, South America, and the United States. According to the definition, I am a Third Culture Kid.

When I first started working at Portledge in 2014 as a Lower School Spanish teacher, I taught Spanish, and that was it. Once again, but just for a short time, I did not quite feel that I fit into the school's culture. I had taught throughout most of my professional career in private school settings where I never really felt I belonged to the community. Then, what made Portledge School different?

The two main reasons for my decade-long residency at Portledge School are our students and my co-workers, who welcomed me into the fold and have since become my friends. Over the years, I noticed how my students become intrigued by my background and often ask me how many languages I speak and how many countries I have traveled to. Through these conversations, I established connections and relationships with them and have grown to truly enjoy the student population here. The other factor is the connections I have made in the Portledge community. Fellow teachers and staff that I have gotten to know are not only my colleagues but also my friends, counselors, and mentors. These people helped me navigate the Portledge School culture and made me feel that I belonged in the same way as any other faculty member at Portledge.

As a Third Culture Kid, I find the sense of belonging hard to find and experience. However, at Portledge School, my circle of connections makes me feel that I not only belong but that I am an equally valued member of our school community.

Happy 60th Birthday, Portledge!, ¡Feliz Cumpleaños 60 Portledge!
60번째 생일 축하해요 포틀리지!
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