Milena

I was born in the Czech Republic, in a region where many families have German roots. Mine too. It was clear to my parents early on that they wanted to return to where our ancestors once lived. When I was three years old, we moved to the Black Forest. For me, it wasn't a rupture, rather a growing up between two self-evident truths.

My parents quickly settled in. They were open, spoke the language, and built connections. Integration was easy for me too. Kindergarten, school, friends. And yet, both were always present. In the Czech Republic, we were the Germans. Here, we were the ones who came from there.

At home, much remained. Language, habits, a unique view of family. Outside, I was part of something different. I learned early on to navigate both sides without having to commit.

Today, I naturally live here. Germany and the Black Forest are my everyday life. And yet, the origin is part of it. As a part of what shaped me.