At the age of 5, I was a whirlwind of energy, tearing through the playground with wild abandon. On one unforgettable day, a daring classmate tried to sneak ahead in line for the slide, setting off a showdown of wills that ended with me unceremoniously launching him off and unintentionally breaking his arm. Looking back, I realize I was a force to be reckoned with, a ball of untamed energy struggling to navigate my own emotions. Thankfully, my rock-solid anchor was my patient and understanding mother, who recognized my need for constant motion and channeled it into a world of sports. Little did she know, she was sculpting an athletic powerhouse in the making.

Through a serendipitous twist of fate, my father's career led our family on a journey across borders, planting the seeds of my multicultural upbringing. From the vibrant tulip fields of the Netherlands to the majestic Alps of Austria, and the enchanting streets of France, I grew up amidst diverse cultures, mastering three languages along the way. While my roots lacked a fixed location, my chameleon-like ability to adapt allowed me to seamlessly blend into any environment, a skill that would later serve me well on life's grand stage.

I made a pivotal decision to return to my Dutch roots at the age of 18. As I settled back into familiar surroundings, I reflected on the rollercoaster journey that had shaped me. The whirlwind upbringing had gifted me the art of linguistic dexterity, enabling me to effortlessly connect with people from all walks of life. Yet, the downside was a lingering sense of rootlessness, an absence of a true home base or a firm sense of identity. My malleability became my strength, morphing me into a versatile actor.