“The culture shock was enormous. Everything works differently in the Netherlands: the weather, the way of life, how people interact, work,” says Jannick. He talks about his mother, who was born in Cameroon. “She fell in love with a Dutch man. He later became my stepfather, but I see him as my real father.”
Before his mother was allowed to come to the Netherlands, a traditional wedding had to take place in Cameroon. “That was no small thing,” says Jannick. “She was the daughter of a tribal chief. For a white man to marry her was really special. Permission had to be obtained from the family.”
Eventually, his mother and her Dutch husband left for Rotterdam, where Jannick was born. His older sister was born in Cameroon. She also had to adapt to her new life in the Netherlands. “It really wasn’t easy.”
So many migrants and cultures
His mother found work in healthcare. That’s typical for many migrants who came to Rotterdam, says Jannick. “There were lots of opportunities here. Many migrants went to work in healthcare.” The large number of migrants makes Rotterdam a multicultural society. Jannick is proud of this. “Rotterdam is actually a cosmopolitan city. There are so many cultures, cuisines, music styles, and stories. That makes this city unique.” Jannick sees the fact that the city has so many different people as residents as a plus. “Everyone is welcome. There are so many people here who once had nothing either, who understand what it’s like.”
He sees for himself how many organizations and residents are helping behind the scenes to support new residents. “Everyone wants to be happy. We just want to live together. You just have to be a little open-minded.”
Don’t give up
In addition to the diversity, Jannick also loves the Rotterdam mentality. “Don’t talk, just do it,” he says with a smile. “Rotterdam was completely rebuilt after the war. That shows how strong this city is.” That fighting spirit and determination suit him well. “We don’t give up. And you see that everywhere, including in myself.”
Cameroonian roots
Although the Rotterdam mentality suits him well, Jannick still feels his Cameroonian background every day. “I live very much by my feelings. In Cameroon, that’s normal. We don’t have things like ADHD there; you’re just a child who’s a little more difficult.”
He talks openly about how he used weed for years to find peace. “My head was always busy. Weed was a kind of self-medication. But I recently stopped. I listen to myself better now. And I feel stronger than ever.”
Living between two worlds
He sees pragmatism and individualism as the biggest differences between Cameroon and the Netherlands. “In the Netherlands, everything is focused on solving problems. That works well, but it’s also very individualistic. In Cameroon, we take feelings, tradition, and the community more into account—but that can sometimes slow things down.
Still, the Cameroonian value of community remains important to Jannick: community. “In Cameroon, you are never alone. Everyone helps each other. I try to do the same here with my own group of friends. They feel like family to me.”
The future of Rotterdam
As far as he is concerned, that family feeling could grow even more in Rotterdam. “Be kind to each other. Be kind. Everyone is having a hard time. So give each other a hug. It’s not going to kill you.“ Even though we are all different, we have one thing in common: we represent Rotterdam.” And he is proud of this city. “Rotterdam is my city. I truly believe that this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world—and that it will only get better. I always say: I even want to be buried here.”