Caroline on New Beginnings for Design & Living Club
I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new President of the Design and Living Club, steering the ship through an exciting phase of restructuring, rebranding, and, most importantly, embracing our inaugural theme: New Beginnings.
My life has been many new beginnings, having Danish parents and being born in Gothenburg, traversing continents through Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, and London, and finally landing in Denmark. While this nomadic journey has not been without its challenges, I've come to appreciate the richness it added to my perspective.
As a third-culture kid, I witnessed diverse cultures, communities, and societies, fostering a sense of empathy and adaptability. In addition, the constant changes offered a unique opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to reinvent oneself, and set the tone for the next chapter. Moving to a new country and school was like starting a new life, one where I was the painter and had command over the canvas of my life.
Despite living in such culturally diverse countries, it was not until I moved to Denmark and enrolled in a Danish folk high school that I truly experienced culture shock. Despite considering myself Danish, having spoken the language at home, and upholding traditions, even if it meant eating Christmas roast in 35 degrees, cultural disparities made me question my sense of belonging. My peers had a sense of community through their shared culture growing up, something I couldn't contribute to. Yet, this identity crisis became a powerful lesson – I learned that my essence transcends nationality, and is instead rooted in my experiences, memories, relationships, and personality. Once I realized this, I was able to blossom and find my roots. This was essentially a new beginning in itself, a new leaf turned over as my perspective shifted. New beginnings are daunting, scary, and overwhelming in their nature, however, the rewards they reap are invaluable, as they allow us to grow.
This brief recounting mirrors the ethos of our club. Design and Living Club has always championed creativity and an open-minded community at CBS. The society has encouraged entrepreneurship and educated the student body through various disciples to foster curiosity and showcase multiple perspectives and ideas. Now, with our rebranding and fresh team, we aim to infuse new life into the club, fostering an environment of continuous new beginnings. Just like my own life, with its multitude of new beginnings, I hope to continue and contribute to this vibrant community.
Our inaugural editorial theme, New Beginnings, embodies the spirit of learning, growing, experiencing, and developing as individuals. With a diverse team, we aim to inspire and empower every student. Each of us brings unique perspectives, opinions, and experiences, contributing to a rich tapestry of ideas. Let's celebrate new beginnings, learn from one another, and together, become well-rounded, curious, empathetic individuals. Here's to the next chapter!
Warm regards,
Caroline Myrthue
President, Design and Living Club CBS