The Clean Energy Innovator
Heritage: German
Resides: Amsterdam, NL
My name is Kaja, and I grew up in a small village in northwestern Germany. By the time I was 12, I already wanted to explore what the world had to offer, and I asked my parents to let me live in a distant country for a year. Finally, at 15, the plan was set, and I moved to the island of Sumatra to live with a local host family and attend high school in Indonesia for one year. This experience was the beginning of my journey, leading me to live in six more countries before finally settling in Amsterdam last year.
What is your cultural or ethnic heritage, and how has it influenced your identity and values?
I come from a German background, having grown up in a small village in northwestern Germany. My cultural heritage is rooted in values like diligence and reliability. Growing up in a close-knit, rural community shaped my commitment to honesty, hard work, and respect for tradition.
At the same time, my international experiences, living in seven different countries, have broadened my identity beyond my German roots. Each culture I’ve encountered has influenced my values and worldview. For example, my time in Indonesia taught me the importance of community, patience, and tolerance. Values that have shaped how I approach relationships. Living in diverse places has taught me to approach differences with curiosity and respect, which is now a central part of who I am.
Do you have a favourite tradition or cultural practice from your roots/upbringing that you cherish and celebrate?
My favourite tradition is the German way of celebrating Advent in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Each Sunday for the four weeks before Christmas, we light a new candle on an Advent wreath, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. We also have an Advent calendar that begins on December 1st, with a small gift or treat to open each day. I love the calm and anticipation this season brings, as well as the excitement it builds for Christmas Eve.
When I was 15 and living in Indonesia, the Christmas season was when I missed my family in Germany the most. My best friend noticed this and surprised me with a handmade Advent calendar. That moment made me realise how meaningful even small traditions can be.
Can you share any memorable experiences related to your heritage or upbringing that have left a lasting impact on you?
Living with my Buddhist host family in Sumatra, where my host dad led the local temple, I regularly participated in temple activities and meditation. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of inner peace, mindfulness, and the importance of community. Values that continue to influence how I approach life and relationships.
What is something you dream of achieving in your lifetime?
One of my goals is to support international cultural exchange by hosting an exchange student myself. Having experienced the impact of living abroad, I’d love to offer the same opportunity to someone else, helping them immerse in a new culture and build meaningful connections. It’s a way for me to give back and continue fostering global understanding on a personal level.
Can you recommend a book, film, recipe, song or any other aspect of your cultural background that you think others should explore?
One of my favorite German books is Der Vorleser (The Reader) by Bernhard Schlink. This beautifully written book explores themes of love and guilt against the backdrop of post-World War II Germany. If you haven’t got the time to read the book, there is a movie about it with the same name, staring Kate Winslet (2008).
German
The Clean Energy Innovator
My name is Kaja, and I grew up in a small village in northwestern Germany. By the time I was 12, I already wanted to explore what the world had to offer, and I asked my parents to let me live in a distant country for a year. Finally, at 15, the plan was set, and I moved to the island of Sumatra to live with a local host family and attend high school in Indonesia for one year. This experience was the beginning of my journey, leading me to live in six more countries before finally settling in Amsterdam last year.
What is your cultural or ethnic heritage, and how has it influenced your identity and values?
I come from a German background, having grown up in a small village in northwestern Germany. My cultural heritage is rooted in values like diligence and reliability. Growing up in a close-knit, rural community shaped my commitment to honesty, hard work, and respect for tradition.
At the same time, my international experiences, living in seven different countries, have broadened my identity beyond my German roots. Each culture I’ve encountered has influenced my values and worldview. For example, my time in Indonesia taught me the importance of community, patience, and tolerance. Values that have shaped how I approach relationships. Living in diverse places has taught me to approach differences with curiosity and respect, which is now a central part of who I am.
Do you have a favourite tradition or cultural practice from your roots/upbringing that you cherish and celebrate?
My favourite tradition is the German way of celebrating Advent in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Each Sunday for the four weeks before Christmas, we light a new candle on an Advent wreath, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. We also have an Advent calendar that begins on December 1st, with a small gift or treat to open each day. I love the calm and anticipation this season brings, as well as the excitement it builds for Christmas Eve.
When I was 15 and living in Indonesia, the Christmas season was when I missed my family in Germany the most. My best friend noticed this and surprised me with a handmade Advent calendar. That moment made me realise how meaningful even small traditions can be.
Can you share any memorable experiences related to your heritage or upbringing that have left a lasting impact on you?
Living with my Buddhist host family in Sumatra, where my host dad led the local temple, I regularly participated in temple activities and meditation. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of inner peace, mindfulness, and the importance of community. Values that continue to influence how I approach life and relationships.
What is something you dream of achieving in your lifetime?
One of my goals is to support international cultural exchange by hosting an exchange student myself. Having experienced the impact of living abroad, I’d love to offer the same opportunity to someone else, helping them immerse in a new culture and build meaningful connections. It’s a way for me to give back and continue fostering global understanding on a personal level.
Can you recommend a book, film, recipe, song or any other aspect of your cultural background that you think others should explore?
One of my favorite German books is Der Vorleser (The Reader) by Bernhard Schlink. This beautifully written book explores themes of love and guilt against the backdrop of post-World War II Germany. If you haven’t got the time to read the book, there is a movie about it with the same name, staring Kate Winslet (2008).